Genetically Engineered Corn-KILLING US

[Guest guest]

http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_637.cfm

From the Organic Consumers Association:

Genetically engineered corn producing herbicides in your gut?

A widely cultivated variety of genetically engineered corn may be slowly

poisoning American consumers. Dupont's Pioneer Liberty Link corn was

bioengineered to withstand high levels of the toxic herbicide

glufosinate. Enzymes in the plant actually break down the herbicide,

making it less toxic to the plant, thereby allowing farmers to apply

higher levels of herbicides to the plant and surrounding weeds.

Scientists are now finding that enzymes in the human gut are likely

" reactivating " the herbicide within our bodies. A recent study on rats

found that 10% of the chemicals were reconverted back to the toxic

herbicide within the digestive tract of the animal. Another study on

goats found a full 30% of the herbicide was rebuilt in the gut.

Glufosinate is known to cause nerve damage and is a likely endocrine

disruptor. Scientists are also concerned that by reactivating the toxic

chemical in the digestive tract, it is likely killing off beneficial

bacteria necessary for healthy digestion.

<snip>

A goat study also confirmed that some of the [regenerated] herbicide ...

ended up in the kidneys, liver, muscle, fat and milk.

<snip>

Perhaps a more critical question may be whether infants or fetuses are

impacted with smaller doses. A January 2006 report issued by the

Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Inspector General said

that studies demonstrate that certain pesticides easily enter the brain

of young children and fetuses, and can destroy cells. That same report,

however, stated that the EPA lacks standard evaluation protocols for

measuring the toxicity of pesticides on developing nervous systems.

Scientists at the agency also charged that " risk assessments cannot

state with confidence the degree to which any exposure of a fetus,

infant or child to a pesticide will or will not adversely affect their

neurological development. " Furthermore, three trade unions representing

9,000 EPA workers claimed that the evaluation techniques used at the

agency were highly politicized. According to a May 24, 2006 letter to

the EPA's administrator, the unions cited " political pressure exerted by

Agency officials perceived to be too closely aligned with the pesticide

industry and former EPA officials now representing the pesticide and

agricultural community. "

binstock@... wrote: PhD Thesis (Milk Hypersensitivity -

Effects of Cow's Milk and its

Processing on Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Delayed-Type Immune Responses)

is free for downloading in the internet:

http://ethesis.helsinki.fi/julkaisut/laa/kliin/vk/paajanen/

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