What Is Bad About Production Of Gmos?

Any plant, animal or bacterium that has been genetically altered from its normal makeup is considered a genetically modified organism. Genes are added to one organism from another to confer some added benefit, such as increased resistance to herbicides or insects in agricultural products. Although generally regarded as being safe, GMOs do have inherent risks and many individuals or organizations still criticize the technology.

Human Health Risks

The safety of GMOs to humans is the top priority of organizations that produce GMOs and thus the greatest area of concern. A major concern regarding GMOs is the risk of producing a protein that triggers an allergic reaction that the consumer wouldn't be expecting. For example, transferring a gene from a peanut into another crop, such as corn, may result in serious health complications for those with peanut allergies. Another potential area of concern is gene transfer, such as the transfer of antibiotic resistance, which can decrease the effectiveness of medicines, according to the Human Genome Project at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Environmental Concerns

Another concern about genetically modified organisms is the potential negative impact they may have on the environment. The interaction between an organism and the environment is complex, and introducing altered and essentially new organisms poses the risk of unintended effects. Genes have the potential to escape and transfer to other organisms, such as through cross-pollination among plants. Non-target organisms may be at risk when insect resistant genes have been inserted into crops along with the potential for increased resistance from target organism. Herbicide tolerant traits promote the overuse of chemicals, increasing the risk of resistance and unintended environmental impacts.

Economic Impact

A considerable amount of time, energy and money is required to produce genetically-modified organisms. Companies devote entire research and development departments for GMO production and smaller, less capitalized companies are unable to compete. This increases the risk that only a few, large companies will come to dominate certain industries. Developing countries may also become more reliant on the industrialized nations producing certain agricultural products that have been genetically altered to survive and thrive in less than ideal growing conditions.

Ethical Considerations

The production of genetically-modified organisms raises several ethical and moral concerns: whether it is right to alter the intrinsic value of an organism; whether we are causing animals unintended and unknown pain or stress; and whether we are using this technology only to increase biotechnology companies' profits. The debates surrounding these issues will persist, but it is important to consider the risks and benefits as biotechnologies advance and GMO production increases.