Do Genetically Modified Organisms Harm Humans?

Do Genetically Modified Organisms harm humans?

Health 102

Professor Blanchard

10 December 2014

Do Genetically Modified Organisms harm humans?

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) can be defined as an organism or microorganism whose genetic material has been altered by means of genetic engineering (Dictionary.com). Genetic engineering alter the hereditary traits of the organisms (Dictionary.com). GMO’s can be harmful to humans especially not knowing what GMO’s are. GMO’s can be in anything from animal’s plants and even bacteria. Genetically Modified organisms can have its pros and cons, but what really matters is how we take care of ourselves.

Some of the cons of Genetically Modified food is that many have had allergic reactions (Bernstein). Having this can be life threating and may have killed some. The United States only grows 69.5 million hectares of corn, soybeans, cotton, canola, sugar beets, alfalfa, and squash (Frazier). Eighty percent of the processed foods contain GMO’s (Frazier). When the plants are growing it can make the plants become resistant to all the bacteria that is around. Which in this case it will be harder in the end to kill all the bacteria that has connected with the plant. Dr. Keith Kantor Sc.D, PhD states, “some Genetically Modified Organisms have had antibiotic features added to them so they are resistant to certain diseases and viruses.” (Kantor).

Now today the products that are being purchased don’t even have to be labeled as a GMO. The pros of GMO’s are the government says “they are doing this to increase the food supply, help underfed nation, and assist farmers” (Kantor). By doing this its only making the farmers more reliable on the GMO’s to be there and help as a supplement. “They claim that since fewer pesticides are used, it is good for the environment (Kantor). What about all the other foods that all the other food’s that may not be good for the environment that are still being produced today. The claim that the government sticks to “is that GMO’s are safe for human consumption” (Kantor).

The opposing viewpoints of GMO’s is that they are harmful. “Rather than waiting for several growing seasons or generations to produce the desired offspring, scientists can reach the final outcome more quickly by removing or adding certain genes to the foods” (Genetically Modified Foods). Taking the time out to make sure the foods is prepared properly is what should matter. “GMO’s were also used for animal feed, ethanol for gasoline, glue, and in yeast-based products such as bread and beer” (Genetically Modified Foods). Even after we stop eating GMO’s they still are within our system. “This means that long after we stop eating Genetically Modified Organisms we may still have potentially harmful Genetically Modified (GM) proteins produced continuously inside of us” (IRT).