Genetically Modified Organisms
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS: A Formal EssayGenetic engineering is a set of new techniques for altering the basic makeup of plants and animals. Genetically Modified Foods, (GFM's) have been increasingly edging their way into the public eye. The majority of processed foods in our grocery stores now contain engineered ingredients. Questions are starting to arise on the possible health risks and adverse environmental affects that these "novel" foods pose. With the new products ending up in farmer's fields and on our plates everyday, how do we know they are safe?Many previous technologies have proved to have adverse effects unexpected by their developers. DDT for example, seemed to be an "ideal" chemical at the time of development. Later, it was found that it dangerously accumulated in fish and in turn, thinned the shells of fish-eating birds like the eagle and osprey. Even human children in the surrounding areas were born with serious and disfiguring birth defects resulting form the passing on of DDT infected DNA. Another example of this is chlorofluorocar
Despite all the health and environmental risks, many still remain ignorant to the imminent threat that GMF's pose. Some think that GMF's could be a possible solution to solving world hunger. Despite the gene tinkering, the new products are not being tested extensively enough. In addition to posing risks of harm that we can envision and attempt to access, genetic engineering may also pose risks that we simply do not know to identify. With human health risks, it is unlikely that all potential risks have been identified. These "ideal" and "miracle" chemicals caused so much damage to our health and the environment, what harmful effects might turn out to be associated with the use or release of genetically engineered organisms? Could GMF's turn out to be just as deadly and dangerous as those?It is not yet known of the potential adverse health risks that genetically engineered organism have on humans. Most concerns lie within the growth and consumption of genetically engineered crops. For example, it is plausible that engineered crops might contaminate wild pants populations, aggravate weeds problems, and jeopardize valuable natural resources. New allergens in transgenic crops can affect the health of sensitive individuals who would not know to avoid them. These CFC's turned out to float into our upper atmosphere and destroy the ozone layer. Wanting a quick and easy payoff, adequate research into long-term health risks and environmental problems was not done. How many more will have to suffer or die before the necessary action is taken against using humans as guinea pigs? As the light of the media is beginning to be shone to the issue of GMF's, the public's concern for safety has increased, but the questions still remain unanswered. With historical examples of human health and environmental catastrophes, why do we continue to ignore a potential disaster waiting to happen? The threat of poisoning the world's population through gene-alteration is very real. bons, (CFC's) the "miracle" chemical.
Common topics in this essay:
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Essay Genetic,
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plants animals,
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Acceptance Essays
