Thursday, May 31, 2012

Are Monsanto GMO Crops & Pesticides Causing Birth Defects?

A new scientific study now shows that the Bt-toxin, known as Cry1Ab toxin, kills human embryonic kidney cells. Combined with Monsanto's RoundUp, it can delay apoptosis, thus promoting cancer. A new report is once again showing the dangerous effects of GMOs, pesticides and herbicides. Just over a year ago, the journal Reproductive Toxicology published the results of a study done in Quebec, Canada. The Study showed that Bt-toxin, a pesticide now routinely genetically engineered into GE corn and cotton, had been found in the blood of both pregnant women and also their fetuses, as well as women who are not pregnant. 

The study also discovered that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's RoundUp, was also found in the blood of non-pregnant women. The full study can be purchased here. Up until now, this study in Quebec has been one of few pieces of sound scientific evidence demonstrating the absorption of Bt-toxin into human blood - which Monsanto claimed would not occur when they submitted their invention for approval some years ago. But now, a brand new scientific study shows that Bt-toxin, known as Cry1Ab toxin, kills human embryonic kidney cells. The study also shows that combining Bt-toxins Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac with RoundUp (as is commonly done on GMO crops) can delay apoptosis, which can promote cancer. Apoptosis is the normal and natural death of cells which occurs as a routine and controlled part of an organism's growth or development.

The study further found that glyphosate, the active ingredient in RoundUp on its own causes necrosis, that is the death of tissue, in amounts lower than that used in agriculture. Yet another scientific study shows that Bt-toxin increases the mortality rate of infant ladybugs, known as larvae. Ladybugs are often employed for natural pest management in organic gardens and orchards, naturally with no side-effects, so this is a serious loss. This study was conducted at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and was published in the journal Environmental Sciences Europe.

Then there is the case of honeybees, an essential part of nature. It is widely believed that pesticides in general and particularly a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids, are a major contributing factor to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in honeybees worldwide. The pesticides have already been banned in some countries in Europe, namely France, Germany and Italy. With genetically modified crops requiring hundreds of millions of extra pounds of pesticide sprayed on them, this is also believed to be contributing to the fate of honeybees worldwide.

With GE corn being such a huge part of most processed foods in the USA, it is important to stop supporting GMOs. People should try to avoid buying GMO foods and also avoid using RoundUp. In fact, avoid any pesticides, fungicides or herbicides. Rather use safe organic bug sprays, easy to make yourself and so much better for the environment and your health. - Anne Sewell, Digital Journal 



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