Over the last 20 years, the use of pesticides on GM crops
has increased significantly. According to Washington State University, since
1996 the amount and weight of chemicals used on genetically engineered crops
has increased by 183 million kilos, with an increase of herbicide use by 239
million kilos. In an article posted in the London newspaper, readers are
informed insects and many plants have developed immunity to Bt (a toxin that
has been genetically inserted into crops that allows the crops to kill
predators). Weeds have also developed immunity to herbicides which has caused
farmers to take the situation into their own hands, potentially worsening the
problem by resorting to higher risk herbicides,
“…desperate farmers are now using a cocktail of many different chemicals
to try and tame the weeds.”
Although it
is true that plants and crops have tricked the genetically modified defense
tactic put in place, Monsanto and other GE corporate chains do not recommend
the spraying of Bt crops such as corn and cotton. Many farmers are worsening
the situation without proper instructions to tame wild crops, and the GE
agricultural company, Monsanto, is quick to be blamed. Furthermore, the article
mentions a study conducted in Europe, which informs how GM corn may generate an
increase in breast cancer and organ damage. However, after referring to the
study where it was published, Environmental Sciences Europe, it was only a
two-week long experiment on rats and although GE crops can be a risk to health,
there are many biological and environmental risk components that also have an
effect to cause breast cancer and/or organ damage.
Although
there are many potential risks and long term health concerns of consuming GE
foods, one must always remember to entertain both sides of a story and check
the credibility of sources.
Resources:
http://organicconnectmag.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/gmo-4.jpg
Genetically engineered food is already a complex concept, and I think it is really important to do the entire process correctly. Pesticide and untamable crops are a problem for farmers, but they should not mix herbicides without any proper instructions. Producing food in the correct way is really important because when people are consuming that food it is producers job to circulate healthy and safe food. In my opinion, processes like genetic engineering should be closely monitored, and herbicide use should be done with safety instructions.
ReplyDeleteI think it's really important for people to take in consideration both sides of the spectrum. Not only with GE foods but in general with new advancements in science. A lot of people may accuse or take the wrong side without enough information and knowledge about both sides of an advancement. This ignorance then causes them to make faulty accusations. Once they have formulated an opinion, this can then cause other people to feel the same way -- then causes a faulty foundation for new advancements. Genetically engineered foods is an especially important topic to understand completely. This topic has both cons and pros about it's advancements and it's more than necessary to understand both.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, checking the credibility of a source is very important. By checking the credibility of the source, one is getting more evidence as to why something is liable or not liable. When it comes to genetically modifying food, I think it is very important to keep do the process in the correct manner. Genetically modifying food is an important task which can risk the life of many people if done wrong. Also farmers should not be coming up with their own formulated plan on how to tame wild crops because that is personally not the safest way to do it. A process like that needs to be tested in different ways to make sure it is a liable source. I completely agree with your opinion on the study that was done. Other factors can be leading to breast cancer and organ damage as well besides GM corn. All these factors need to be taken into consideration before coming to a conclusion and stating it.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up two very interesting topics in this blog. First the increased use of pesticides and herbicides due to the adaptation of animals, insects and plants becoming adapt to the engineered repellents secreted by GMOs. I definitely think that this is an issue, much in the way that the overuse of antibiotics has given rise to antibiotic resistant bacteria.
ReplyDeleteThe other topic you bring up is equally if not more interesting. I would like to hear more about the study you referenced about researchers in the UK feeding GE foods to rats and seeing increased incidence of disease.
Producing food correctly is indeed important. And I do understand the purpose of pesticide. However, overuse of pesticide, producing untamable crops, and mixing herbicides without proper instructions are being huge problems in these days. This can affect not only the current condition of people's health but also the future human health state. GE corporations and farmers need to realize the responsibility of their job and make sure they produce healthy foods.
ReplyDelete