The Dangers of GMOs
What are GMOs?
Genetic modification involves the alteration, placing, or removal of genes. A GMO (genetically modified organism) is the result of a laboratory process of incorporating genes from bacteria, viruses, plants or animals and putting them into other species to create a desired trait or characteristic. They are used in biological and medical research. The purpose for GMOs are to produce longer lasting foods, resist herbicide (a chemical sprayed by farmers to kill weeds, but in the process killing crops too), and resist pests and disease. Scientists do this to optimize agricultural performances and to facilitate the production of valuable pharmaceutical substances. These experimental combinations of genes from different …show more content…
First of all, GMOs are unhealthy. Studies show that GMOs contribute to organ damage, gastrointestinal and immune system disorders, accelerated aging and infertility. In 1996, when GMOs were introduced, the percentage of Americans with three or more chronic illnesses climbed from 7% to a whopping 13% in just nine years; food allergies rapidly increased, and many disorders, including autism and reproductive disorders are on the rise. Second of all, genetic engineering may result in dangerous side effects. By mixing genes from very dissimilar species, genetic engineering unleashes numerous unpredictable side effects, such as two viruses mixing to create a supervirus, increased body toxicity and death. Third of all, GMOs harm the environment. Genetically modified crops harm birds, insects, amphibians, marine ecosystems and soil organisms. They lessen bio-diversity, contaminate water resources, and are unsustainable. For example, GM crops are wiping out the monarch butterflies’ habititat, whose populations are plummeting. Last of all, GMOs permanently contaminate our gene pool. Genetically modified organisms cross pollinate and their seeds are able to travel. It is impossible to fully get rid of infected genes. Self-propagating GMO pollution will endure the effects of climate change and nuclear waste. This threatens the health of future generations. GMO …show more content…
“Unfortunately, even though polls consistently show that a significant majority of Americans want to know if the food they’re purchasing contains GMOs, the powerful biotech lobby has succeeded in keeping this information from the public.” According to the non-profit organization called the “Non-GMO Project”. To avoid GMOs, do not purchase products from big food companies like Kellogg’s, Nestle, Coca-Cola, Hershey’s and Kraft. Many of their products contain GMOs and they contribute copious amounts of money to defeat the GMO labeling initiative. Look for non-GMO project seals and dairy products labeled "No rBGH or rBST,” or “artificial hormone-free”. Those products are made from hard-working farmers who make sure that their products are healthy and edible. If the products are not labeled organic or verified non-GMO, then avoid the eight most common GM food crops which are corn, soybeans, canola, cottonseed, sugar beets, Hawaiian papaya, zucchini and yellow squash. Be familiar with fruit and vegetable label numbers. If the number is four digits, then the food is conventionally produced. If it is five digits and the number begins with an eight, it is genetically modified. However, do not trust that genetically engineered foods will have a price look-up (PLU) code identifying it as such, because PLU labeling is not obligatory. If there is a five digit number beginning with a nine, then the food is
What are GMOs?
Genetic modification involves the alteration, placing, or removal of genes. A GMO (genetically modified organism) is the result of a laboratory process of incorporating genes from bacteria, viruses, plants or animals and putting them into other species to create a desired trait or characteristic. They are used in biological and medical research. The purpose for GMOs are to produce longer lasting foods, resist herbicide (a chemical sprayed by farmers to kill weeds, but in the process killing crops too), and resist pests and disease. Scientists do this to optimize agricultural performances and to facilitate the production of valuable pharmaceutical substances. These experimental combinations of genes from different …show more content…
First of all, GMOs are unhealthy. Studies show that GMOs contribute to organ damage, gastrointestinal and immune system disorders, accelerated aging and infertility. In 1996, when GMOs were introduced, the percentage of Americans with three or more chronic illnesses climbed from 7% to a whopping 13% in just nine years; food allergies rapidly increased, and many disorders, including autism and reproductive disorders are on the rise. Second of all, genetic engineering may result in dangerous side effects. By mixing genes from very dissimilar species, genetic engineering unleashes numerous unpredictable side effects, such as two viruses mixing to create a supervirus, increased body toxicity and death. Third of all, GMOs harm the environment. Genetically modified crops harm birds, insects, amphibians, marine ecosystems and soil organisms. They lessen bio-diversity, contaminate water resources, and are unsustainable. For example, GM crops are wiping out the monarch butterflies’ habititat, whose populations are plummeting. Last of all, GMOs permanently contaminate our gene pool. Genetically modified organisms cross pollinate and their seeds are able to travel. It is impossible to fully get rid of infected genes. Self-propagating GMO pollution will endure the effects of climate change and nuclear waste. This threatens the health of future generations. GMO …show more content…
“Unfortunately, even though polls consistently show that a significant majority of Americans want to know if the food they’re purchasing contains GMOs, the powerful biotech lobby has succeeded in keeping this information from the public.” According to the non-profit organization called the “Non-GMO Project”. To avoid GMOs, do not purchase products from big food companies like Kellogg’s, Nestle, Coca-Cola, Hershey’s and Kraft. Many of their products contain GMOs and they contribute copious amounts of money to defeat the GMO labeling initiative. Look for non-GMO project seals and dairy products labeled "No rBGH or rBST,” or “artificial hormone-free”. Those products are made from hard-working farmers who make sure that their products are healthy and edible. If the products are not labeled organic or verified non-GMO, then avoid the eight most common GM food crops which are corn, soybeans, canola, cottonseed, sugar beets, Hawaiian papaya, zucchini and yellow squash. Be familiar with fruit and vegetable label numbers. If the number is four digits, then the food is conventionally produced. If it is five digits and the number begins with an eight, it is genetically modified. However, do not trust that genetically engineered foods will have a price look-up (PLU) code identifying it as such, because PLU labeling is not obligatory. If there is a five digit number beginning with a nine, then the food is