Possible Link Between GMOs and Cancer
Link:
Summary:
Link:
http://www.naturalnews.com/047585_GMOs_cancer_deaths_glyphosate.html
Summary:
After collecting five years worth of data, some scientists from Argentina noticed a disturbing relationship between GM plants and cancer. Typically in this region, 158 out of every 100, 000 individuals will get cancer and die. But obvious exceptions were found in four regions that also happened to rely heavily on agriculture and GM plants. These four regions had a much higher cancer death rate (about 203-230 for every 100, 000 individuals). Although not specifically said in the article, it seems that the scientists do not believe that the GM plants directly cause cancer. Instead, since GM plants have a gene that makes them resistant to glyphosphate, farmers are encouraged to more liberally spread pesticides. Before, farmers were more cautious about how much pesticide they used because if they overdosed they could end up harming their own crops as while weeds. Now, because the farmers do not have to worry about damaging their own crops they freely spread pesticides to maximize yield. Not only do Argentine scientists believe that glyphosate can cause cancer and gene damage, but that pesticide also pollutes freshwater sources like lakes, as while as the soils and rainwater.
The scientists believe that this link between cancer and GM crops along with 18 other similar surveys suggests GMO are definitely harmful and thus the government should take immediate action. So when the government did not seem to be particularly enthusiastic about getting rid of all the GM plants, the scientists were furious. Since then there has been a lot of talk suggesting what to do. Some suggestions include eliminating pesticide spraying airplanes and protecting homes by pushing any pesticide use 1000 meters away.
Relevance:
During the previous unit we learned about GMOs, what they are and how we “create” them. We also had a mock debate in which we debated whether or not GMOs were more beneficial (pro) or more harmful (con). Out of the groups that argued con at least one group mentioned cancer as a potential downside of GMOs. Furthermore many people also mentioned that GMOs encourage farmers to more liberally use fertilizer as another reason why GMOs are more harmful than beneficial. This article supports both ideas.
"Breaking: Report Finds Cancer Deaths Have Doubled in Argentina's GMO Growing Regions." NaturalNews. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.
Have the GMO's helped farmers save a lot of money? Because if not, what other pros are keeping the GMO's there?
ReplyDeleteHas this happened anywhere other than Argentina?
ReplyDeleteHannah- I am not sure if this site is 100% reliable because it supports banning and getting rid of GMOs but here is a link to a study in China (http://www.gmfreecymru.org/documents/increasing-incidence-tumours.html). This study saw a similar dramatic increase in cancer and scientists think it may be linked to the consumption of GM soybean and soybean oil from GM soybeans.
ReplyDeleteSophie- According to John N. Shaw and the article that can be found at http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/02/should-we-care-about-genetically-modified-foods/#.VLX1_SvF-Bc. One reason why many farmers support GMO is because it does lower the cost of maintaining their crops and also increases profit. Although the GM seeds are a bit more costly, in the end the farmers still profit because they do not need to buy fertilizer or machines to spread the fertilizer.
ReplyDelete