Have you ever wondered whether or not the foods we eat are safe? Nowadays, more than 70% of our products on food shelves contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Through the groundbreaking discovery of the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by scientists James Watson and Francis Crick, in 1953, many scientists are now able to edit and reconstruct genes in foods as basic as rice, meat, and corn, to name a few. GMOs should be banned in the United States because of their environmental, social, and economical harmful effects. GMOs should be prohibited due to their detrimental impact on the environment. The debate over the environmental impact of GM crops is growing increasingly complex, intense, and extremely emotional. GMOs are …show more content…
The insects threatening these crops developed resistance to the insecticide and caused great harm to the non-modified and modified crops (49). Also, attempts to uniform crops, or monoculture, will fuel genetic diversity loss. Genetic diversity is what helps crops adapt to weather and survive diseases; without genetic diversity, farmers will resort to using chemicals on their crops from those same companies that weakened their crops (Fox 83). Another example of biodiversity loss is eutrophication, the enrichment of ecosystems with chemicals. Bt itself is a built-in insecticide that is manufactured with more chemicals than traditional insecticides. It is first introduced into the plant and eventually spreads its harmful toxins into humans and animals. What is most alarming is the transmission of this detrimental poison into marine life. Oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay, for example, have declined by 96 percent due to eutrophication from Bt (Hewitt). This is alarming because 60 percent of the world’s population relies on 40 percent of marine life as a source of food (Hewitt). The genetic modification of Bt crops also has an adverse effect on terrestrial life. This is further illustrated by a decrease in the number of predatory birds during the 1960’s and 1970’s from insecticide; more specifically, bald eagles have declined by at least 6 percent from its usage (Hewitt). GMOs advocates are advising the idea of including
Gmo have been shown to harm the ecosystem,These human-made organisms can reproduce and interbreed with natural organisms, thereby spreading to new environments and future generations in an unpredictable and uncontrollable way.
Genetically modified foods are produced from organisms that have gone through a process that introduces specific changes to its DNA using genetic engineering. This process allows companies to choose specify traits a crop will display. On the surface this process seems like a technological breakthrough, and it is, however, the topic of genetically modified foods (GMOs) is very complex. There are many aspects of this process we must consider when deciding if GMOs should continue to be sold. Due to many human health, environmental, and economical concerns the sale of all genetically modified foods should be banned.
Ruf, Andrea. "Soil organisms as an essential element of a monitoring plan to identify the effects of GMO cultivation. Requirements – Methodology – Standardisation." BioRisk 8: 73–87 (2013) 1-16 Web. 3 Feb. 2016.
By the year 2012, over 70 percent of the processed foods in the U.S can be linked to genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. Despite this strong dependency on the manipulation of genetic material, there are many questions concerning long-lasting impacts such food could bring. The government of the United States of America should enforce stricter restrictions on the consumption, production, and availability of food products containing genetically modified organisms. Genetically engineered foods have detrimental impacts on the environment, are linked to large, monopolizing industries, and do not reduce world hunger.
“When you light a candle, you also cast a shadow.” – Ursula K. Le Guin. No matter what good some people believe they are doing, everything seems to come with a consequence, and the question is whether or not the good overpowers the bad. Many experts argue that Genetically Modified foods are actually beneficial to, not only people, but animals, plants, and the world overall. Some experts even state that, not only are they beneficial, but that they also protect the environment and aid food productivity. Most farmers actually recommend GMO’s because they are easier to grow, maintain, and tend to be more profitable; however, countless other experts have come to realize that GMO foods are untested, unsafe, and unhealthy. Studies indicate that
When it comes to the topic of whether genetic modification are safe or unsafe for the animals, the environment and for human consumption, some of us will readily agree that they are in fact very dangerous for everyone. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of how exactly they affect everyone. Whereas some are convinced that GMOs are not safe for anyone, others maintain that they are not a hazard to anyone. I agree that GMOs are not safe because while doing my research I found concrete evidence that proves that they are unsafe for consumption. All production of GMOs should be discontinued immediately since they are a danger for our environment and for ourselves.
“In a sweeping 400-page report, the country’s top scientific group found there was not evidence to support claims that genetically modified organisms are dangerous for either the environment or human health” (Heikkinen, 2016). Even Europe, a country that does not use this technology has proven that GMOs are a safe food source. “There is a scientific consensus, even in Europe, that the GMO foods and crops currently on the market have brought no documented new risks either to human health or to the environment” (Paarlberg, 2010). The biggest argument against GMOs would be that they are not safe to humans or the environment, but there has not yet been any documented evidence that approved GMOs have brought on new risks either to humans, animals or the environment (Paarlberg, 2010). Along with being scientifically proven numerous times to be a safe food source, there is also no confirmation that GMOs pose any risk to humans, animals, or the environment. “The central issue with GM crops is that because there are no concrete adverse effects for people to quantify, they can only focus on theoretical and largely unquantifiable ones” (Buiatti, Christou, & Pastore, 2013). Hundreds of experts have all concluded that GMOs have not presented any new risks to humans. “The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris organized a conference with 400 expert
GMOs should be banned because of their harsh impact on the environment. They are causing biodiversity loss, affecting organic agriculture, and inhibiting sustainable agriculture.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines GMOs as an organism whose DNA has been altered in a non-natural way. GM plants are usually changed to be insect resistant, virus resistant, or herbicide tolerant. Monsanto is a huge factor in the production of genetically modified organisms, or more commonly known as GMOs. GMOs have been studied and there is proof showing they are harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. Big businesses like Monsanto are taking over and basically producing a monopoly over the agriculture industry; running small, “mom and pop” farms out of business. GMOs should be banned because they have little benefits and the corporation is only looking out for the good of themselves.
GMOS have been cluttering many parts of the United States for many years but the issues surrounding them have recently made surface. A GMO is a Genetically Modified Organism. In other words, genetically modified means the materials that make up an organism have been altered and artificially engineered somewhere in a laboratory. Scientists create what can be called the ‘ultimate plant’ which are able to sustain life outside normal conditions that make organic plants susceptible to death. In most all cases GMOS are created to sustain the application of a herbicide or other chemicals. It is a more efficient way to get the most out of what nature gives. Some companies who produce GMOS
Genetically modified organisms is a topic that has been hotly debated for many years; stemming from the central question of the future legality of GMOs, the question rages whether GMOs are the key to alleviating several of the world’s struggles or if they are too riddled with dangerous ramifications. Advocates argue GMOs offer positive health effects. Additionally, they insist GMOs offer improved crop yield; nevertheless, opponents claim GMOs cause adverse health effects like increases in allergic reactions. Similarly, opponents maintain GMOs harm the environment through increased dependence on the use of herbicides. Some experts argue
The belief that GMOs have a detrimental effect on world health has made its inclusion in our food supply one of the most talked about topics today. This reaction comes from an alarming body of evidence connecting them with health issues, environmental damage and the violation of farmer and consumers’ rights. (Non GMO Project.) This issue has created a growing concern throughout the world, prompting over sixty countries to ban them or pass stringent laws to label their presence in consumer products, especially food (Non GMO Project.)
A growing debate today is the effect of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, on our health and the stability of the environment. Emily Anthes, a journalist who mainly writes about current issues in science, posted an article on the New York Times titled “Don 't be Afraid of Genetic Modification”. In the article, Anthes presents a few examples of genetically modified animals that have been considered for consumption and the obstacles that the biotech companies who created them face. Anthes is discussing a very prevalent topic here. GMOs are here to stay, and it is important for people to understand what a GMO actually is.
Genetically modified food creates risks for the environment. It can cause cross-contamination between the GMO and organic produce damaging the organic crops. According to a 2009 report by the Organic center, the extensive use of pesticides intensely increased--about 318 million pounds--in the first thirteen years after GMO crops were introduced. (Text 2, lines 31-32) This occurred because people who grow GMOs immeasurably, spray herbicides on them causing pesticide-resistant weeds to prosper. However, according to the Food and Drug Organization, the foods are safe to consume. Agreeing, the World Health Organization states that there are no severe health effects that occurred in the international market. (Text 3, lines
Much of the public concern surrounding the safety of GMOs stems from the process of actually creating them. This is admittedly not a natural process, which is a surefire way to raise critic’s eyebrows in doubting their safety. However, there is no evidence that supports these myths. The Committee on Genetically Engineered Crops, The National Academy of Science, and the Board on Agriculture and Natural Recourses all agree after extensive testing and observation that there is no additional harm in the consumption of GMO food. The research conducted in animal studies, as well as chemical analysis of the crops, show no indication that GMOs are negatively affecting human health. The next allegation hurled at GMOs is that they may have