Assessment & Impacts

Principles and Approaches Genetic interactions in ecosystems are more dynamic and complex than acknowledged so far. Genetic change and genetic exchange phenomena seem to occur more frequently in nature than in laboratories, and may be regulated by unknown environmental factors. Local environmental conditions and chemical contaminants (pesticides and other xenobiotics), that will undoubtedly vary in concentrations and combinations between different locations are examples of such environmental factors. These may have impacts on the extent of horizontal gene transfer, and on how modified genes are expressed and affect the recipient organisms. Consequently, it is important to establish model systems in the laboratory, which mimic the ecological interactions and complexity of the real world.

Basis for risk assessment and management:
Risk and probability are not the same. Risk can be defined as the probability of an occurrence of an incident or phenomenon, multiplied by the consequences arising therefrom, if it occurs. At this moment we know little about both probability and consequences in relation to putative health and environmental effects of many genetic engineering applications.

Horizontal gene transfer: Horizontal gene transfer signifies a non-sexual transmission of genetic information within or between species. The phenomenon is common in nature, but our knowledge concerning ecological processes promoting such events and barriers prohibiting them is scanty.

Socio-economic considerations: The impact of genetically modified organisms goes beyond ecological and health dimensions. They have profound impact on society, including livelihoods, production systems, trade, culture and ethics.

Why Genetic Engineering is Hazardous

The dangers of genetic engineering, argues Dr Mae-Wan Ho, are inherent in the technology itself. She outlines the dangers of releasing GMOs into the environment and elucidates the possible links between genetic engineering and the resurgence of infectious […]

February 15th, 2004 | Category: Health

Damning findings by scientist raise alarm about safety of GM foods

When highly respected British scientist Dr Arpad Pusztai took on a publicly-funded research project to study the effects of GM crops on animal nutrition and the environment, little did he know his findings would place him in the midst of a controversy. […]

February 14th, 2004 | Category: Food Safety

Seeds of Doubt: Experiences of North American farmers of genetically

GM crops have been an “economic disaster” in the USA and Canada, according to a new report published by the Soil Association. […]

February 3rd, 2004 | Category: Socio-Economic

GM Crops Harm Wildlife

The UK’s farm scale evaluations have shown conclusively that the herbicide regime linked with GM spring oilseed rape and beet is damaging to biodiversity. Lim Li Ching reports. […]

November 14th, 2003 | Category: Ecological
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