YOU CAN'T FOOLMOTHER NATURE
New Studies and Genetically Modified Crops
March 3, 2004
I recently received an e-mail from Steve Meyerowitz
with forwarded material from the web site of
the Organic Consumers Association - www.organicconsumers.org.
The title of the article was called New
Studies Set off Alarms on Health Hazards of
GMOs (genetically modified organisms). It
related important information I thought was
vital to share due to the public health concerns
it raises.
The article written by John Vidal
states the following: "Scientists investigating
illnesses among people close to GM maize fields
in the Philippines believe that the crop may
have triggered fevers, respiratory illnesses
and skin reactions. If preliminary results
are confirmed, it would be one on the first
recorded cases of serious health problems associated
with GM crops, and could damage the reputation
of the biotech agriculture industry, which
is rapidly expanding in developing countries."
Dr.
Terje Traavik of Norway took the unusual
step of publicly announcing the research before
its publication due to the dangerous and
urgent nature of the findings. He made three
observations:
- The local farmers who have come down
with the same type of illness could possibly
be reacting to the toxin Bt maize pollen.
- Tests
on rats show that the Cauliflower Mosaic
Virus Promoter (CaMV 35S), which is used
to switch on the inserted gene, was found
intact in the cell tissues of some rats.
This was thought to be impossible by
the biotech industry.
- If the CaMV is intact
in the body tissue, it may be found to
be active, which it could potentially
switch on dormant DNA in our own genetic
makeup.
So, what can we conclude from
this? Possibly nothing until more conclusive
research is done. Yet, doesn't it suggest
that maybe a freeze on genetic engineering
may be appropriate and utilization of its products
until safety is proven? Shouldn't we be asked
if we, as the public, are okay with these
products and at least have them labeled for
our edification?
Maybe this is just another
reminder to buy organic foods and locally
grown foods as much as possible. Or should
we trust companies like Monsanto to watch
out for our best interests? Let's all stay
awake and be on the lookout for our own
best interests. Take time and go to the above
web site and write your representatives
about how you feel. Or follow the course
of action as outlined on www.saynotogmos.org.
Perhaps trying to fool Mother Nature is not
such a good idea. For more information on a
healthy diet and overall health check out
Steve Meyerowitz's web site, www.sproutman.com.
And thank you Steve for passing this along
to us.
If you
have any questions about the above information,
you can reach us at 15 Mahaiwe St. in Great
Barrington, 528-2948. Or contact us through
our website-
www.drbronstein.com.
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