http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_637.cfm
 
From the Organic Consumers Association:
 
Genetically engineered corn producing herbicides in your gut? 
A widely cultivated variety of genetically engineered corn may be slowly
poisoning American consumers. Dupont's Pioneer Liberty Link corn was
bioengineered to withstand high levels of the toxic herbicide
glufosinate. Enzymes in the plant actually break down the herbicide,
making it less toxic to the plant, thereby allowing farmers to apply
higher levels of herbicides to the plant and surrounding weeds.
Scientists are now finding that enzymes in the human gut are likely
"reactivating" the herbicide within our bodies. A recent study on rats
found that 10% of the chemicals were reconverted back to the toxic
herbicide within the digestive tract of the animal. Another study on
goats found a full 30% of the herbicide was rebuilt in the gut.
Glufosinate is known to cause nerve damage and is a likely endocrine
disruptor. Scientists are also concerned that by reactivating the toxic
chemical in the digestive tract, it is likely killing off beneficial
bacteria necessary for healthy digestion.  

<snip>
 
A goat study also confirmed that some of the [regenerated] herbicide ...
ended up in the kidneys, liver, muscle, fat and milk.
 
<snip>
 
Perhaps a more critical question may be whether infants or fetuses are
impacted with smaller doses. A January 2006 report issued by the
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Inspector General said
that studies demonstrate that certain pesticides easily enter the brain
of young children and fetuses, and can destroy cells. That same report,
however, stated that the EPA lacks standard evaluation protocols for
measuring the toxicity of pesticides on developing nervous systems.
Scientists at the agency also charged that "risk assessments cannot
state with confidence the degree to which any exposure of a fetus,
infant or child to a pesticide will or will not adversely affect their
neurological development." Furthermore, three trade unions representing
9,000 EPA workers claimed that the evaluation techniques used at the
agency were highly politicized. According to a May 24, 2006 letter to
the EPA's administrator, the unions cited "political pressure exerted by
Agency officials perceived to be too closely aligned with the pesticide
industry and former EPA officials now representing the pesticide and
agricultural community."

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