Source: GreenMedInfoSayer Ji
Disturbing new research published in the Journal of Applied
Toxicology indicates that genetically modified (GM) crops with "stacked
traits" --that is, with multiple traits such as glyphosate-herbicide
resistance and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal toxins
engineered together into the same plant, are likely far more dangerous
to human health than previously believed, due to their synergistic
toxicity.
Resistance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup,
has been engineered into many GM plants, so that fields can be sprayed
indiscriminately with herbicide without destroying the crops. While the
GM glyphosate-resistant plants survive, they subsequently contain
residues of glyphosate and its various metabolites (e.g. aminomethylphosphonic acid) that present a significant health threat to the public.
In this latest study
the glyphosate-containing herbicide Roundup was tested on human
embryonic kidney cells at concentrations between 1 to 20,000 parts per
million (ppm). It was found that concentrations as low as 50 ppm per million,
which the authors noted were "far below agricultural dilutions,"
induced cell death, with the 50% of the cells dying at 57.5 ppm.
The researchers also found that the insecticidal toxin produced by GM
plants known as Cry1Ab was capable of causing cell death at 100 ppm
concentrations.
Taken together the authors concluded:
"In these results, we argue that modified Bt toxins are not inert on
nontarget human cells, and that they can present combined side-effects
with other residues of pesticides specific to GM plants."
These disturbing findings follow on the heels of recent revelations that Roundup is several orders of magnitude
more toxic than previously believed. Only 5 days ago (Feb. 14) the
journal Archives of Toxicology reported that Roundup is toxic to human
DNA even when diluted to concentrations 450-fold lower than used in agricultural applications. This effect is likely due to the presence of the surfactant polyoxyethyleneamine
within the Roundup formulation which may dramatically enhance the
absorption of glyphosate into exposed human cells and tissue.
For additional research on two dozen adverse health effects reported in the biomedical literature on Roundup, go here. Also, for research on the ubiquitous nature of glyphosate exposure, read our article on the subject here.
