While I was researching my topic, I came upon an in-depth article published by Harvard regarding the usage of pesticides and GMOs. It provided a lot of information by giving examples while comparing and contrasting how pesticides and GMOs help and harm. The writer brings in concepts about how these practices help us to sustain the economy and agriculture but at the cost of health risks. On one hand, it helps us purchase our foods and clothing at low prices and also keeps us safe in our homes from pests like termites. However, one of the studies they referred to in their article was related to how prolonged exposure to pesticides leads to an increased risk of diabetes which would probably surprise a lot of people. While these chemicals are considered relatively safe, there are still a lot of mysteries about how long-time exposure is affecting our bodies. Doctors have been noticing an uptick in neurological related illnesses in farm workers. The writer also brought awareness about how there are certain plants with natural pesticides that get rid of the annoying critters without the harmful artificial chemicals that come with the pesticides we commonly use. With the constant use of these chemicals that farmers employ, crops and pests are quickly becoming resistant and no longer responding to them. This particular source was really helpful because it's from a prestigious institution that gave unbiased, educated insight into the issue. Not only that but Harvard is one of the leading institutions in science and innovation.
http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/gmos-and-pesticides/
Peter Nguyen
In the article they explain how prolonged exposures to these pesticides have been found to lead to measures of diabetes, but do they explain why? and are other diseases like cancer found as well? Over the past few years cancer has been a gradual, factor in death rates. These deadly diseases are typically found in the elderly approaching their 60's but now there a many younger generations being effected by these diseases as well, and it has everything to do with our consumption of foods and drinks, but how do we bring more awareness to this so we can end it.
ReplyDeleteI think it's unfortunate that not everyone is aware of this. I do know that those who have knowledge of this will shop for groceries more wisely and eat more organic foods but those who don't, I kind of feel really bad for.
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