Should GMO foods be banned in the United States Essay - 1

Should GMO foods be banned in the United States - Essay Example GMOs refer to bacteria, animals, as well as plants that tend be engineered either for research that is scientific or production through agricultural ways. Genetically modified organisms may have can be termed as health hazards in a number of ways. The harmful health effects caused by GMOs depend on the organism under modification, as well as the purpose for which researchers intend with the organism. Over the years, scholars and various entities have engaged in numerous debates regarding the negative impacts of GMOs on the health of human beings, as well as the environment (Schapiro 97). While some people support the consumption of GMOs, others are in total disagreement over consumption of GMOs. I will argue against the consumption of GMOs. In this regard, I will support the argument that GMOs should be banned in the United States. Discussion Based on numerous studies that have been conducted, the modification and consumption of GMOs poses immense health hazards, which surpass the be nefits derived from these organisms. In most of the developed nations, GMOs are not considered as safe; most countries all over the world have also restricted the consumption of genetically modified foods by their citizens. Therefore, the United States should also follow suit and illegalise the consumption of GMOs (Zarrilli 45). Although the United States government has approved the consumption of GMOs based on several studies, most American citizens have refused to accept these organisms. This should be a wake-up call to the government and other concerned authorities who should ban the use of GMOs in the United States. It is apparent that most American citizens wish that manufacturers label GMOs. The purpose of doing so is to ensure that Americans know what they are purchasing so that they do not buy GMOs (Edelstein 118). Those who support the banning of GMOs in the United States cite a number of reasons why the government should prohibit the consumption of these foods. One of the reasons why GMOs should be banned is because they have high toxic levels. When humans consume natural foods, the probability of getting toxins from these foods can be termed as lower than when they consume genetically modified foods. When exotic genes are inserted in plants, there is a high possibility that these plants will become more toxic than they would be without the genes. As a result, the high levels of toxins can be harmful to the health of human beings. Since inserting a gene into a plant alters its production of toxins, humans will most likely suffer adverse effects when they take genetically modified organisms (Colgan 128). GMOs have high toxic levels since new genes have an impact on the metabolic pathway, which is a precursor to the production of high amounts of toxins. The other reason why genetically modified foods should be banned is because they lead to food allergies. In the United States, food allergy can be regarded as one of the most significant health threats that the government should fight. Genetically modified foods cause allergy when there is stimulation of an immune response by a harmless protein entering the body. This means that when the protein in the GMO emanates from an allergy causing source, there is a high possibility that some immune responses may take place in the human body. The allergic reactions from the consumption of GMOs form a strong basis upon which the United States ought to ban these foods (Garte 229). The other reason why the United States should ban the consumption of GMOs is because they have lower nutritional content than traditional forms of food. The value of nutrients derived from the consumption of GMOs tends to be lower than when a person consumes natural foods. There are limited nutrients that can be found in GMOs and the little it is may be difficult to digest (Lee 20). The nutritional value of a plant declines when there is injection of a gene inside the plant. With limited amounts of nutrients being

Pressing Environmental Issues in Manitoba Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pressing Environmental Issues in Manitoba - Essay Example Manitoba’s mining industry is currently worth over $2.5 billion with peat, zinc, silver, gold, copper, platinum, cobalt and nickel being the major metal products of this sector. Mining has however been a major threat to terrestrial biodiversity in Manitoba through land conversions and pollution (Wellington, 1997). A key environmental concern in mining has always centered on the rehabilitation of old, orphaned mines which consist of steep excavations, shafts and exploration trenches. Despite mining being a key revenue generator for Manitoba’s government, public safety has been compromised after abandoned mines are left unattended since such mines pose a threat to local communities living nearby. The Mine Closure Regulation which was approved in 1999 led to the establishment of The Orphaned and Abandoned Mines Program (OAMS) mandated to deal with such mines by sealing them using Otto Bayer’s Polyurethane foam (PUF) technology (Priscu et al, 2009). Many of these aba ndoned sites are situated within the Precambrian Shield which has massive gold deposits. Provincial Parks, aquatic life and areas with dense vegetation have not been spared due to discovery of more valuable metal deposits under them which eventually results in encroachment by the mining industry. Industry plays a major part in Manitoba’s development. However, hazardous waste mainly originates from Manitoba’s industries and exhibit a variety of harmful radiological, corrosive, bio hazardous, explosive and toxic properties.