Insecticides Modified in GM Corn Polluting U.S. WatersElizabeth Renter According to researchers, the insecticides modified into the corn are being detected in streams up to 500 meters away from corn farms, and quite possibly further. The research was conducted in the states of Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana, where corn fields are abundant. Scientists found the bacterial protein washed off the corn and directly into the streams. While they wont say for certain what this means for human health, the consensus is that it cant be good. According to U.K.s Independent, U.S. corn has a gene from the Bacillus thuriengensis (BT) bacterium inserted into it to repel bugs. This gene produced the Cry1Ab protein, which has insecticidal properties. Its this protein that is being found in the water system. Its believed the protein is making its way to the water because of the practice of leaving plant material on the field until the next season. This no till method is used because it prevents erosion, but it also provides an opportunity for the potentially dangerous protein to be washed away. Needless to say, this isnt the first time Bt has been in the news. This spring we reported on a study linking Bt insecticide to the death of human kidney cells. Despite this and other troubling news about GMO crops, the United States remains steadfast in its protection against agri-giants like Monsanto, preferring to please them rather than protect the people. In 2009, more than 85% of American corn crops were genetically modified, but that number has likely increased since that time. All the while, other countries in Europe dont even allow the GMO corn or at the very minimum label food sources that contain GMO ingredients. No similar protections are provided in the United States. Explore More: 