GMOs, Helpful of Harmful?

Genetically modified organisms, also known as GMOs, make up for majority of the foods being produced today. There are a few to no benefits to these altered and ‘fake’ organisms. GMOs are organisms that have had their gene material altered by a process called genetic engineering. Many serious effects occur to the environment on which they are grown, and to those who consume these ‘alien’ foods. The affects of GMOs may be large or small, in any case, but there are affects that negatively impact the environment and its consumers. GMOs, according to the Institute for Responsible Technology, “result in massive collateral damage that produce new toxins, allergens, carcinogens, and nutritional deficiencies.”

GMOs have serious negative effects on the health of those who consume them. There have been two to three times more chronic illnesses due to GMOs, in the last 30 years. Also, some farmers, who have used special herbicides, have produced crops with abnormalities and endocrine disruptions. Many Americans, live their lives oblivious to this horrid fact. They eat whatever is provided for them, whether it is altered or not. Now days, it is almost impossible to tell what is modified, because most companies hide these facts from their customers. There are false advertisements and false hopes given to society. People are completely tricked by food labels that read “All Natural”, “From Nature”, and “100% real”. Citizens should be more aware and informed about this wild phenomenon. Although it may be impossible for our gene pool to become uncontaminated by GMOs, people can improve the side effects and the health of future generations by simply avoiding these fake foods. Additionally, GMOs have caused severe environmental disadvantages. “Horizontal gene transfer of pesticide, herbicide, or antibiotic resistance to other organisms would not only put humans at risk, but it would also cause ecological imbalances, allowing previously innocuous plants to grow uncontrolled, thus promoting the spread of disease among both plants and animals.” (Bob Moss) GMOs are produced in large numbers, and require great amounts of water, way more than organically grown crops. The water being used from these sources is much more than can be replenished. Many of major water streams and rivers are going to these harmful crops, causing water shortages and ‘drought’. GMOs disrupt the homeostasis of ecosystems, and cause unnecessary pollution.

GMOs may have had many negative affects, but there are some good aspects of GMOs. Food with Organic labels, and certification are rather infamous for being costly and unaffordable. Being up to two times as expensive as modified foods, organic foods are simply unaffordable. The cause for this inflated price is the effort in growing, and simply the “ORGANIC” label. Modified plants are much easier to grow, for bug repellants and weed killers can be used. Many unnatural and strong fertilizers and sprays can be used in keeping modified foods “healthy”. However, in the process, many unwanted and harmful insects are killed. Steroids can also increase the size and cause the taste to be stronger and more favorable in taste. GMOs are beneficial to the US because the crop can yield more food, therefore more profit, which leads to economic stability. On the other hand, organic food is difficult to