Are GMOs really safe?

"Genetically modified organisms are generally safe."

The above statement was made by one of my followers on X, who happens to be a Genetic scientist. Being a professional in the field of genetics, many laymen are prone to believing him. I wouldn't have any issues with the statement had it been that it was followed up with some clarifications. In other words, GMOs are safe as long as certain conditions are fulfilled or observed.

Glyphosate-based herbicides have been researched and confirmed to have detrimental effects on the environment, particularly living organisms. Even though the organic compound has been found to be relatively biodegradable, the fact that it tightly binds to the soil and remains available for pick up by plants over the course of up to 6 months makes it a problem for us humans as well, especially if the threshold level at which it kills plant is not reached.

Now, one of the focuses of genetic engineering or organisms is the production of herbicide or pesticide-resistant crops or living organisms. As a gardening enthusiast or a small-scale farmer, I can still manage to go organic in my activities. For large-scale farming activities, pesticides/herbicides become necessary. Farmers want a situation in which they do not need to be extra careful when applying herbicides to get rid of weeds or pesticides to get rid of other pests. Thus, it becomes imperative to develop GMOs that are herbicide or pest-resistant.

What does this mean? It means that herbicides are able to kill off weeds without affecting crops (since they are herbicide resistant) and pesticides are able to kill animal pests from crops and produce without having to worry about the crop or produce itself. It also means that crops are able to tolerate these chemicals, not by excluding them from their systems, but by being tolerant of them in their systems. The hick here for us humans is that each time we consume herbicide or pest-resistant GMOs, there is a good chance we are consuming glyphosate simultaneously, albeit in bits.

This is the same compound that has been implicated in a variety of health-related problems plaguing humans. Exposure to glyphosate has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It may also disrupt endocrine function, leading to hormonal imbalances. Additionally, glyphosate can impact gut health by affecting the gut microbiota, potentially contributing to gastrointestinal issues and other chronic conditions. Long-term exposure might result in kidney and liver damage, while some studies suggest potential reproductive and developmental toxicity.

Even though glyphosate-based herbicides have been in a couple of countries due to their reported detrimental effects on human health, they remain acceptable in many countries all over the world, including the United States and the EU. The permissibility of this chemical, coupled with the development of herbicide-resistant crops, looks like a perfect recipe for disaster as far as our health is concerned.

Our hospitals are inundated with cases of cancers, kidney problems, and the like, hormonal imbalances, primary, and secondary infertility are the order of the day, and we are wondering why these health issues are dominating our society.

Could the proliferation of GMOs be the problem? Your views on this subject will be appreciated. Hit me up in the comment section.