GMO Hazards

The GMO debate is very controversial, but I think that the majority of people have an inherent understanding of the topic. This is why most people do not want to be exposed to GMO foods, and are understandably wary of consuming them in foods. The bottom line is that there is no way that genetically modified plants are the same as those that are naturally occurring!

When scientists start using restriction endonucleases (i.e., enzymes that cut DNA at a specific DNA base pair sequence) to cleave DNA, and then insert genes from different species into it, that sounds like the definition of Pandora's Box situation to me! Each type of living organism has a specific safety codon sequence that makes it impossible for different species to interbreed. Genetic scientists have learned how to bypass this. Because these types of experiments have never been done before, the experimental population could be considered to be everyone in the world.

A huge problem with this recombinant DNA technology is that there are often unintended consequences. When there are genes being inserted into bacteria, commonly-used plants, and all over the place, this can create a danger. There is no way to predict how artificially created genetically-modified organisms will interact with other organisms and the genetic results. A scary fact is that all sorts of different genes from different species are being spliced together.

The biggest push for the use of this recombinant DNA technology is from the corporations that stand to make immense profits from its use. Companies like Monsanto, a company that has already 'gifted' the world with Dioxin, PCB's, Agent Orange, aspartame, and DDT. So their claims for the safety of bioengineered organisms are not objective, since they stand to gain many billions (if not trillions) in profits from this technology.

The scariest thing about these genetically modified organisms is that once they are introduced into organism populations that are outside 'in the wild', there is virtually no way to remove them if they begin having harmful effects! In addition, there is virtually no regulation of the use of this technology. Scientists have done no long-term studies on GM organisms or foods. Political and economic considerations have been the major priority, with no consideration of the possibility of catastrophic consequences from such irresponsible behavior. This 'shoot from the hip' attitude with recombinant DNA technology could lead to massive death and destruction of life on this planet. This is how serious the consequences from these actions could be. We are hoping for the best, but it is bordering on insanity for recombinant DNA to be rolled out into nature in such a thoughtless manner.