Balancing the Benefits and Risks of Genetically Modified Crops, Products, and Plastics

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are genetically engineered to enhance certain traits, such as resistance to pests, diseases, or herbicides. The global cultivation area of GM crops are expanding at a rapid pace. Supporters argue that GMOs increase crop yields and improve food quality, while critics raise concerns about their negative environmental impact and non-target species (species caught without intention).

In addition to food, there are several other products that we consume that may be genetically modified. Some examples include medicine, cotton, tobacco, enzymes (for beer and dairy), and industrial chemicals, such as biofuels and plastics. It's worth noting that the use of GMOs in these products is subject to regulation by various government agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, using GMOs in these products is still controversial among consumers and advocacy groups.

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a biodegradable polymer produced by four genes derived from Monsanto - a bacterium that naturally produces a biodegradable plastic called Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), also known as PHBV. The modified oil seed rape can produce PHA in its seeds, which are then extracted and used to make biodegradable plastics. Microorganisms produce PHA and can feed off a variety of sources, including canola oil.

What Critics Are Saying

Some critics argue that releasing GMOs into the environment can have unintended consequences, such as spreading the modified genes to wild plants, which could negatively impact ecosystems. Others express concern about the control that biotechnology companies like Monsanto have over the food supply, as they can patent and own the genetic material of the plants they create.

Food-borne illnesses caused by contaminated food are a significant public health concern worldwide. GMOs can become contaminated with harmful bacteria or other pathogens during cultivation, harvest, processing, or distribution. In recent years, there has been an increasing concern about the safety of GMOs and their potential risks to human health and the environment. These risks include harming beneficial insects, such as bees, and the development of pesticide-resistant pests. Unintended gene flow (movement of genetic material, such as DNA, from one population to another) to wild relatives of crop plants is also a concern to some.

There are also concerns about GMOs' impact on human health, such as allergic reactions and increased use of chemicals, including antibiotics that may lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The Pink Bollworm Study

An example of a pesticide-resistant pest is the pink bollworm, which attacks cotton crops. In the 1950s, farmers began using synthetic pesticides to control pink bollworm infestations. Over time, the pest developed resistance to these pesticides, and by the 1990s, some populations of pink bollworms were utterly resistant to the most commonly used pesticides. Genetically modified cotton was developed to combat this issue. However, it produces a toxin called Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), which is highly toxic to many pests, including the pink bollworm. BT is not toxic to humans or animals and is less harmful to the environment than synthetic pesticides.

Positive Impacts of GMOs on the Economy

GMOs have the potential to impact the economy positively. The adoption rate of GMOs in global agriculture is increasing as farmers experience direct benefits such as higher crop yields and lower production costs. One advantage of GMOs is that they can address food insecurities by increasing crop yields, improving nutritional content, and reducing the need for pesticides, which helps increase the food supply and lower prices for consumers. Additionally, GMOs can be engineered to resist pests and diseases, resulting in higher crop yields.

This increase in food supply can reduce consumer prices and positively impact the economy. Additionally, GMOs can lessen the need for pesticides, lowering the cost of production for farmers and reducing the risk of harm to workers and the environment. Some GMOs are designed to meet the demands of niche markets, such as gluten-free or low-allergen foods, expanding agricultural markets and creating new opportunities for farmers and food producers. GMOs can also lead to more efficient production processes, such as using genetically modified bacteria to produce industrial chemicals or medicines, increasing efficiency. Finally, the development of GMOs requires significant investment in research and development, stimulating innovation in the biotechnology industry and creating new job opportunities.

While some argue that GMOs have many benefits, others express concern that they may have long-term impacts on human health and the environment. As such, food safety concerns now extend beyond the traditional focus on preventing food-borne illnesses from including GMOs' safety and regulation in the food supply. GMOs are a public health issue because we must ensure food production is safe for consumption and appropriately regulated to protect public health.