ese toxins and residues from spraying, or their potential risks for human health, which was considered unlikely. The researchers have now shown that interactivity does occur between Bt and glyphosate when formulated as Roundup. They stated that further investigations are necessary to examine other potential combined effects under varying conditions. In concluding the studyâ€™s abstract, the authors say that, â€śIn these results, we argue that modified Bt toxins are not inert on nontarget human cells, and that they can present combined side-effects with other residues of pesticides specific to [genetically modified] plants.â€ť
Glyphosate is a general herbicide used for eradication of broadleaf weeds. It has previously been linked to a number of serious human health effects, including increased cancer risk, neurotoxicity, and birth defects, as well as eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. One of the inert ingredients in product formulations of Roundup, polyoxyethyleneamine (POEA), kills human embryonic cells. It is also of particular concern due to its toxicity to aquatic species as well as instances of serious human health effects from acute exposure. The French study shows that Roundup causes necrosis and apoptosis in human cells at 50 parts per million, well below levels commonly found in agricultural formulations.
â€śWe were very much surprised by our findings. Until now, it has been thought almost impossible for Bt proteins to be toxic to human cells. Now further investigations have to be conducted to find out how these toxins impact the cells and if combinatorial effects with other compounds in the food and feed chain have to be taken into account,â€ť says Gilles-Eric SĂ©ralini from the University of Caen, who supervised the experiments. â€śIn conclusion, these experiments show that the risks of Bt toxins and of Roundup have been underestimated.â€ť
In their investigations, the researchers examined several products, including the Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac Bt toxins developed by Monsanto for inclusion in GE crops, as well as the glyphosate formulation Roundup. A study published in the May 2011 edition of the journal Reproductive Toxicology found that pregnant women and their fetuses were contaminated with pesticides and metabolites of the herbicide gluphosinate and the Cry1Ab protein. Though Bt is used by organic farmers as a least-toxic biological alternative to control bugs, organic farmers use Bt sparingly and only as a last resort. Conversely, thousands of acres of GE crops contain Bt, so experts believe itâ€™s only a matter of time before insects become resistant to Bt.
The use of GE crops engineered to produce Bt also contributes to widespread problems with insect resistance, making the insecticide entirely ineffective. In August of last year, news emerged that the corn rootworm pest was becoming resistant to Monsantoâ€™s Bt corn engineered with the Cry3Bb1 Bt protein and designed to be toxic to the rootworm. Additionally, recent data released in February shows that more than 40% of American farmers are neglecting to comply with mandatory management practices for Bt planting that are designed to minimize the risk of insect resistance.
To learn more about concerns related to genetic engineering in agriculture, visit our program page.
Genetic engineering as well as the effects of pesticides on human health will be topics of discussion at the 30th National Pesticide Forum on March 30-31st, 2012 at Yale University in New Haven, CT. Conference speakers include acclaimed ecologist and author Sandra Steingraber, Ph.D., chairman and coounder of Stonyfield Farm Gary Hirshberg, Yale professor of environmental policy and political science John Wargo, Ph.D., and many more. To register and find information on lodging and travel, go to our Forum website.
Source: Test Biotech
All unattributed positions and opinions in this piece are those of Beyond Pesticides.