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Risks Associated with Genetic Modification: – An Annotated Bibliography of Peer Reviewed Natural Science Publications

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Abstract

We present an annotated bibliography of peer reviewed scientific research highlighting the human health, animal welfare, and environmental risks associated with genetic modification. Risks associated with the expression of the transgenic material include concerns over resistance and non-target effects of crops expressing Bt toxins, consequences of herbicide use associated with genetically modified herbicide-tolerant plants, and transfer of gene expression from genetically modified crops through vertical and horizontal gene transfer. These risks are not connected to the technique of genetic modification as such, but would be present for any conventionally produced crops with the same heritable traits. In contrast, other risks are a direct consequence of the method used in gene manipulation. These come about because of the unstable nature of the transgene and vectors used to insert it, and because of unpredictable interactions between the transgene and the host genome. The debate over the release of genetically modified organisms is not merely a scientific one; it encompasses economics, law, ethics, and policy. Any discussion on these levels does, however, need to be informed by sound science. We hope that the scientific references provided here will provide a useful starting point for further debate.

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Abbreviations

AFLP:

amplified fragment length polymorphism

HD:

heading date

LD:

linkage disequilibrium

Reference

  1. In accordance with common custom, the abbreviation “GM”will be used to mean both “genetic modification”and “genetically modified.”We have defined GM as the insertion of pieces of heritable material from one individual to another, or the removal of genes from an individual.

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  16. The historical and political background to the GM tryptophan controversy is discussed in detail in the Report of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification (Wellington, 2002, www.gmcommission.govt.nz). Also see Jeffrey M. Smith, Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You’re Eating (Yes! Books, Fairfield, IA, 2003).

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  20. Reflections on the use of human genes in other organisms. Alastair S. Gunn and Kelly A. Tudhope, “Genetic Engineering and Intrinsic Value: The New Zealand Experience,”in D. Heaf and J. Wirz (eds.), Genetic Engineering and the integrity of Animals and Plants:Proceedings of a Workshop at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, UK (Hafan, Ifgene, 2002), 95–99.

  21. Thornhill. Richard (September 2001) ArticleTitle“Genetic Manipulation Opposes the Deepest Beliefs and Values of Most of the Human Race” Pacific World 61 40–43

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  1. Environmental Studies Institute of Geography School of Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand

    Sean A. Weaver & Michael C. Morris

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  1. Sean A. Weaver
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  2. Michael C. Morris
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Correspondence to Sean A. Weaver.

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Weaver, S.A., Morris, M.C. Risks Associated with Genetic Modification: – An Annotated Bibliography of Peer Reviewed Natural Science Publications. J Agric Environ Ethics 18, 157–189 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10806-005-0639-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10806-005-0639-x

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