O'BrienDon'tWorryPost

Genetic pollution deals with the unwanted gene flow from a genetically modified organism (GMO) to a wild or natural species, and this pollution can cause a variety of problems, ranging from loss of biodiversity to detriments to human health. Counterclockwise from the upper left: A two-faced piglet, whose deformity was most likely caused by pollution of its mother's feed that led to this genetic mutation.7 Glow-in-the-dark pigs that were created by splicing jellyfish DNA with pig embryos.2 A double jawed trout caught near Lincoln, Nebraska; this deformity was most likely the result of genetic pollution to the fish's natural habitat.4 Several varieties of Mexican maize, which have recently been implicated by invading species of genetically engineered (GE) corn.5 Center: An image that provokes the question, "What are we really eating?"3

Genetic pollution refers to accidental gene flow between genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and non-genetically engineered (or natural) species. Genetic pollution can lead to loss of biodiversity, genetic disorders and deformities, and detriments to human nutrition and health. In terms of biodiversity, it’s possible for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to invade and wipe out their natural counterparts. Sometime genetic pollution leads to severe deformities in animals and humans alike, and genetically modified foods have even found their way into American supermarkets; in fact, about 70 percent of the processed foods we consume contain some sort of genetically engineered ingredient. A significant amount of our produce is genetically engineered as well, with roughly 200 million acres of farmland around the world being designated for the planting and harvesting of genetically engineered (GE) crops.1
 * __The Problem__**

Many consumers are led to believe that genetic engineering (i.e. the creation of GMOs) is harmless. If the government approves it, it must be safe. Unfortunately, genetic engineering and modification leads to genetic pollution, which in turn leads to a slew of unwanted issues. Genetic pollution can lead to the loss of biodiversity as GMOs pass on their modified genes to natural species, leading to the extinction of that natural species. These modified genes can also lead to the mutation of other genes within an organism, causing various genetic problems, disorders, and diseases. Also, genetic engineering can lead to the genetic contamination of our food supplies, which is an issue that has yet to be thoroughly researched. The consumption of GM foods could lead to increased frequency of allergic reactions and the loss of nutritional value for the consumer. These GM foods and products also lead to herbicide resistant crops and antibiotic resistant bacteria. Perhaps the largest problem is that genetic pollution cannot be cleaned up once it occurs.
 * __So Why Worry?__**

In 2001, it was found that much of Mexico’s maize had been affected by genetic pollution. Genetically modified DNA had found its way into traditionally grown maize, potentially leading to some of the problems discussed above. Specifically, this genetic pollution could have its origins in corn crops that are modified to produce plastics, spermicides, and vaccines. These “farmaceuticals” could have transferred their GE traits to the naturally grown maize; thus, people all around the world may have consumed corn with properties suited for birth control or vaccinations.6 Much of the corn in the American marketplace comes from this area of the world, making all of us stakeholders in this situation. Many of the human health risks associated with this genetic pollution have yet to be explored, as long term effects may not be seen for many years.
 * __Does it Affect Us?__**

We have to fight against genetic pollution at a variety of levels, including those of the individual and of the government. As individuals, we have the power to vote with our dollar by only purchasing organic foods that have not been contaminated by GMOs. On a government level, citizens must push for initiatives and organizations that fight against GM foods. We also must fight against the creation of GMOs in the name of science. Who knows what the long-term repercussions of creating glow-in-the-dark pigs will be? There have to be government regulations that prohibit the creation of GMOs and GM foods so that we can limit and attempt to contain the genetic pollution that has already been set in place.
 * __The Solution__**

1“Genetic Engineering.” //SustainableTable.org//. (n.d.) Web. 17 September 2011.  2“Glowing Pigs.” //Positive Impact Living//. 12 August 2010. Web. 17 September 2011.  3“GM Damages Arising.” //Wiki Noticia//. 11 February 2011. Web. 15 September 2011.  4Laukaitis, Algis J. “A fish with two mouths?” //Lincoln Journal Star//. 20 December 2005. Web. 15 September 2011.  5Lovekin, Kris. “Controversy Over Genetically Modified Corn in Mexican Crops Focus of Discussion.” //UCR Newsroom//. 9 February 2009. Web. 17 September 2011.  6Moore, Melissa. “Genetic Pollution in Mexico’s Center of Maize Diversity.” //Backgrounder//. Spring 2002. Web. 16 September 2011.  7“Who Thought Pigs Could Get Any Uglier?” //WJLB Mornings//. 3 April 2009. Web. 15 September 2011. 