Preview

Should Gmo Be Banned Research Paper

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1967 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Should Gmo Be Banned Research Paper
If someone put gasoline in your plate of spaghetti in order to make it taste better or last longer, would you still eat it? Although it could be said that genetically modified organisms support an exponentially growing population and could possibly fortify crops with much needed vitamins and minerals, the risks greatly outweigh the benefits. GMOs are known to cause many health issues such as cancer, and ethically, it is more important to care about quality more than quantity. Foods higher in nutritional value are more important than just meeting a certain quota for food production. The usage of GMO´s in America should be completely banned by having the government outlaw it in all areas. Following this change, the overall amount of GMO´s in …show more content…
According the Institute for Responsible Technology, “the foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals, or even humans” (Smith). The main purposes of this is a higher tolerance for herbicides and causing the plant to release its own pesticides. These provide no health benefits, and in fact may very well be detrimental to human health. The IRT adds, “genetically modified foods have been linked to toxic and allergic reactions, sick, sterile, and dead livestock, and damage to virtually every organ” (Smith). Although not exactly known how GMOs directly affect humans, the effects on animals have shown to be disastrous. Mice that were fed GMOs had damaged intestines, reduced digestive enzymes, reactions to formerly harmless foods, atrophied livers, smaller, sterile babies that died shortly after being birthed, and altered sexual organs. Also, “a growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights” (Burke). Clearly showing extensive damage, these effects are scary and is a recipe for certain …show more content…
They will tell you that somehow genetically engineering crops “allows farmers to use fewer chemicals, such as pesticides...helps them utilize more environmentally friendly planting techniques [and]...[less] greenhouse gas emissions” (Get). What they won’t tell you is the unabbreviated truth. In reality, yes, in the first few years, statistics show that herbicide and pesticide use decreases within the first few years of utilizing genetically modified crops (Hoffman). Yet, the long terms effects hold a much higher importance, which geneticists do not want you to look at. When pesticides are repeatedly sprayed on a plant, the weeds around it adapt to it, and eventually they become resistant to the chemical, usually given the title of “superweeds” (Hoffman). These weeds proceed to reproduce, the offspring possessing an increasingly higher resistance (Hoffman). Causedly, farmers find it necessary to use more and more pesticide each time, and “Food and Water Watch found that the ‘total volume of glyphosate [a pesticide] applied to the three biggest GE crops - corn, cotton and soybeans - increased 10-fold from 15 million pounds in 1996 to 159 million pounds in 2012” and pesticide use has “since then risen by 26 percent from 2001 to 2010” (Hoffman). If more herbicides and pesticides make an appearance, this means for a deadly increase in

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    Miss

    • 8881 Words
    • 29 Pages

    Human Mind Impacts Despite the fact that the genes being transferred occur naturally in other species, there are unknown consequences to altering the natural state of an organism through foreign gene expression. After all, such alterations can change the organism's metabolism, growth rate, and/or response to external environmental factors. These consequences influence not only the GMO itself, but also the natural environment in which that organism is allowed to proliferate. Potential health risks to humans include the possibility of exposure to new allergens in genetically modified foods, as well as the transfer of antibiotic-resistant genes to gut flora.…

    • 8881 Words
    • 29 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs, are organisms that have been created through the gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology Although GMOs have been around for many years, it wasn’t until just recently that people have become more concerned with them. However, many companies that produce genetically modified organisms, like Monsanto, try to make believe that the products they produce are healthy and beneficial for the environment; while that may be true first glance, lots of anti gmo activists believe that these companies scam people into believing false information. In this essay, we will uncover the pros and cons of these genetically modified organisms and ultimately, come to the conclusion that GMOs may have downfalls for humans and the environment, but are economically beneficial.…

    • 545 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    DARK Act Argument Essay

    • 1357 Words
    • 6 Pages

    The risks to our health and exposed for using genetically modified crops or plants have not been yet proven because we are too early in the game of this genetically modification and engineering process. Thinking that this is a small solution to our problem for hunger and feeding Americans, then maybe they are just creating more problems that may not have solutions for in the future. However, the US National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine, states otherwise. In a new report that details how genetically modified organisms are apparently safe for human consumption and surprisingly, also have significant benefits for human health and the environment(FDA.org). They base their findings on an intensive and detailed report with past studies about GMOs. The many interviews with scientists, researchers and field experts that have data stating that they are not bad for one’s health. This helps determine whether it is good or bad for the health when it comes to eating genetical modified foods. They even have a new study that suggests that when crops are being engineered to improve human health, by altered to produce more vitamins or nutrients. This might be one good side of it, but why should we playing with mother nature? This is a big gamble we are…

    • 1357 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Why Are Gmos Bad

    • 465 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Some things don’t go together like they think it will. It also depends where you insert the gene it may do different things if it's in another place. For example one study using a micro-array gene chip found that 5% of the host’s genes changed their levels of expression after a single gene was inserted. The changes, which are in addition to the deletions and mutations already discussed, are not predictable and have not been fully investigated in the GM crops on the market. These massive changes may have multiple health-related effects. There are promoters and they may switch on harmful genes. An example of this is Promoters are switches that turn on genes. The promoter used in almost nearly all GM crops is designed to permanently turn on the foreign gene at high output. Although scientists had claimed that the promoter would only turn on the foreign gene, it can accidently turn on other natural plant genes permanently. These genes may overproduce an allergen, toxin, carcinogen, antinutrient, or regulators that block other…

    • 465 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    One of the most important ways that GMOs hurt nature is by reproducing with non-genetically modified organisms. When GMOs reproduce with non-GMOs, the modified genes are transferred to their offspring. Because of this, more species will possess traits of the original Genetically engineered specimen. Scientists…

    • 1013 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Why Do Gmo Have Got To Go

    • 737 Words
    • 3 Pages

    They argue that by planting these modified crops, food supply can increase and there would be more farming opportunities. However, genetically modified crops will have the opposite effect. Many third world nations consist of communities that are dependent on sustainable agricultural practices. Subsequently, “when genetically modified crops are introduced into the area, traditional farming land is displaced, food production of other essential crops declines, widespread flooding and forest clearing destroys land, and the introduction of toxic weed killers threatens plant biodiversity” (Phelps 86). In fact, plant biodiversity is necessary to ensure the survival of crops. Instead of curing world hunger, genetically engineered crops will only encourage the…

    • 737 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Gmos Research Paper

    • 1221 Words
    • 5 Pages

    “We are what we eat.” Everyone has heard this famous quote or a variation of it, but what do we actually eat? Over the past years a new type of food called Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) has flooded the food market. This new type of food is designed to better resist the climate and to contain more vitamins and minerals for the consumer, yet the debate is still ongoing: are GMOs harmful or helpful? The following text will present both sides of the argument: the GMOs activists and the anti-GMOs activists’ views. Then I will explain why I support the GMOs activists.…

    • 1221 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Pro Gmo Persuasive Essay

    • 556 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Many people who fear GMOs claim that they cause allergies and cancer, and causes farmers to overuse and pesticides and herbicides.Unfortunately for those who use such…

    • 556 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) showed up in rural America in the mid 1990s. Many American’s are concerned for the farmers, the environment, and the potential health risks of GMOs and are demanding more studies and tests be done before allowing these organisms to be consumed. People around the world have protested for the right to safe food, however, nothing has been done to change government policies. U.S. biotech companies, like Monsanto, are the first to hold a patent on food and are making sure there are no restrictions to sending GMOs out into the marketplace. In this research paper, I will give you an in depth look into the GMO industry and the effects it has on the environment, the farmers, and our health.…

    • 1725 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    gmo paper

    • 1365 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Many people are against Genetically modified foods because of the unknown long term effects and environmental effects. There were concerns about how GMO’s can affect other animals. “ GMOs may be toxic to non-target organisms, bees and butterflies being the most talked-about examples currently. Bees are hugely important in the pollination of many food crops.” (Emily Glass) If this true, this can be the biggest reason why GMO’s should be banned. Another reason how it could affect the environment is by making it a monoculture in our ecosystem. “When GM crops are planted, generally in a monocrop fashion, many heritage seeds are no longer used. The nature of GMOs means fewer weed flowers and, therefore, less nectar for pollinators. “ (Emily Glass.) Having a monoculture can result in quicker spread of diseases and can cause an economic disaster. They’re many possible consequences of genetically modifying foods but most of the possible consequences are predictions or theories.…

    • 1365 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    GMO Argumentative Essay

    • 386 Words
    • 2 Pages

    There is a reduction in the amount of carbon emitted when it comes to crops. Seeing as how they've made herbicide-tolerant seeds allowing farmers to practice no till farming. This means it's not required for them to plow the land (which releases carbon dioxide.Since genetically modified crops are usually more insect-resistant than the average crop it leads to a reduction in the usage of pesticides.The National Center of Food and Agricultural Policy reports that U.S. GMO farmers have reduced use of pesticides by 46 millions pounds annually since 1996. This in turn reduces the risks of water and soil contamination. GMOs also reduce the amount of water needed in order to keep the crops alive. Seeing as how drought resistant seeds require less water.…

    • 386 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    “I think the risks and benefits are overstated by both sides of the debate,” states Dr. Lucy Carter. (University of Queensland) By stating this quote, Dr. Carter is critiquing how both sides convey their arguments to each other. Furthermore, it shows that Dr. Carter believes that genetically modified crops are still a benefit to society in the long term. The article further states that there is no evidence to prove that genetically modified foods poses a threat to humans or the environment and that Australian states should not ban production of genetically modified foods. “You can’t easily create a hybrid that is both strong enough to withstand natural environmental conditions,” stated Dr. Carter. (University of Queensland) When Dr. Carter states this, she is saying that risks such as super weeds are not possible and should not be viewed as a significant “GM” threat. Therefore, because Australian states still use genetically modified foods and because studies in Australia show that benefits of genetically modified crops outweigh the risks, there should be an increasing role of genetically modified crops in the global food supply in order to solve society’s…

    • 1428 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    Due to the quite random nature of genetic engineering, there is a risk that it may disrupt the functioning of other genes in an organism. This could mean that the organisms do not survive at all, or become some sort of mutated freak, which is completely different and maybe even more dangerous. Genetic engineers also intend to profit by patenting genetically engineered seeds. This means that, when a farmer plants these genetically engineered seeds, all the seeds have an identical genetic structure. As a result, if a fungus, a virus, or a pest develops which can attack this particular crop, they might all be at…

    • 1066 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Gmo Soybeans

    • 882 Words
    • 4 Pages

    There GMOs in almost everything that we eat. GMO stands for genetically modified organism. “Genetic modification occurs when genes from one organism are transferred to another in ways that do not occur without human intervention. The result is a GMO, or a genetically modified organism.” (Farrell 1) Soybeans are one of the largest GMO crops being produced. With the modification of the soybean by Monsanto, it is now possible for the crop to survive when herbicides are sprayed over it. The herbicide that the soybeans are resistant to is Roundup, so farmers do not have to worry about their soybeans dying to the herbicide. I believe that the negative effects of modified soybeans so not outweigh the benefits because genetically modified soybeans so not increase the production but increase the businesses’ profit, and there are health problems that can arise.…

    • 882 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Genetic Engineering

    • 730 Words
    • 3 Pages

    First of all, genetic engineering can cause widespread crop failure affecting the natural environment. Nowadays, many people think that genetically modified foods can provide benefits such as increased nutrients, spoilage reduction, and a decrease of chemical contamination. However, there are a variety of environmental risks associated with genetic engineering. By combining genetic material from unlike species, genetic engineering essentially creates new organisms. When genetically engineered crops are planted there is a risk that some materials will contaminate wild plants. The consequences of this type of pollution are unknown. The long term effects of genetic pollution could include harm to plants, insects and animals and a loss of biodiversity. For example, when a farmer plants genetically engineered seeds, all the seeds have identical genetic structures. Thus if a virus grows which can attack this certain crop, there would be a widespread crop failure. The wind, insects, and plants can all carry genetically changed seeds onto close fields and land. Thus all crops, organic and non-organic, are threatened by contamination. Also, this contamination is different from other kinds of pollution because once the genes are out, they cannot be recalled. It can also contaminate water supplies and kill all the weeds in a field, thus lowering biodiversity. In short, the process of genetic engineering can thus introduce dangerous new toxins into foods that were previously naturally safe, altering the natural food chain.…

    • 730 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays