Toxin from GM crops found in human blood: Study

Fresh doubts have arisen about the safety of genetically modified crops, with a new study reporting presence of Bt toxin, used widely in GM crops, in human blood for the first time. Genetically modified crops include genes extracted from bacteria to make them resistant to pest attacks. These genes make crops toxic to pests but are claimed to pose no danger to the environment and human health. Genetically modified brinjal, whose commercial release was stopped a year ago, has a toxin derived from a soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt). Till now, scientists and multinational corporations promoting GM crops have maintained that Bt toxin poses no danger to human health as the protein breaks down in the human gut. But the presence of this toxin in human blood shows that this does not happen. Scientists from the University of Sherbrooke, Canada, have detected the insecticidal protein, Cry1Ab, circulating in the blood of pregnant as well as non-pregnant women.

They have also detected the toxin in fetal blood, implying it could pass on to the next generation. The research paper has been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication in the journal Reproductive Toxicology. The study covered 30 pregnant women and 39 women who had come for tubectomy at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS) in Quebec. None of them had worked or lived with a spouse working in contact with pesticides. They were all consuming typical Canadian diet that included GM foods such as soybeans, corn and potatoes. Blood samples were taken before delivery for pregnant women and at tubal ligation for non-pregnant women. Umbilical cord blood sampling was done after birth.

Cry1Ab toxin was detected in 93 per cent and 80 per cent of maternal and fetal blood samples, respectively and in 69 per cent of tested blood samples from non-pregnant women. Earlier studies had found trace

amounts of the Cry1Ab toxin in gastrointestinal contents of livestock fed on GM corn. This gave rise to fears that the toxins may not be effectively eliminated in humans and there may be a high risk of exposure through consumption of contaminated meat. "Generated data will help regulatory agencies responsible for the

protection of human health to make better decisions", noted researchers Aziz Aris and Samuel Leblanc.

Given the potential toxicity of these environmental pollutants and the fragility of the foetus, more studies are needed, particularly those using the placental transfer approach, they added Experts have warned

of serious implications for India. Cottonseed oil is made from seeds of genetically modified cotton and thus Bt toxin may have already entered the food chain in India. "Indian regulators should be immediately called for detailed toxicological studies to know the extent of contamination of the human blood with Bt toxins coming from cottonseed oil, and also ascertain its long term health impacts," Sharma said.

Source:

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/toxin-from-gm-crops-found-in-human-blood/1/137728.html

Divisional level workshop: “Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation”

A One Day Workshop: “Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation” was held at the Hotel Western Inn Conference Centre, Khulna, on May 03, 2011. This programme was initiated as activities of “Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation” project of Concern Universal Bangladesh. Programme was organized by Asroy Foundation, one of the partners NGO of Concern Universal.

Honorable Mayor of Khulna City Corporation, Mr. Talukdar Abdul Khaleque was the chief guest in the workshop. As special  guests were also present Mr. Sheikh Hemayet Hossain, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Khulna Division, Mr. Tarun Kanti Shikdar, Deputy Secretary and Director, Directorate of Environment, Ministry of Forest and environment, Mr. Molla Mohammad Shofikur Rahman, Associate Professor, Environmental Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Advocate Firoz Ahmed, Divisional Coordinator Khulna Division, Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA).Mr.Masud Rana (Assistant Project Manager) and Mrs. Kanika Chakraborty   (Project Officer- Training) were present on behalf of Concern Universal. Mrs. Momotaz Khatun, Executive Director of Asroy Foundation presided over the workshop. Total 120 participants from different levels like:  GO/ NGO officials, Teachers and   Students of different schools and colleges and universities, Civil society, Elite persons, Local govt. representatives, Religious leaders, Journalists, Community people were there to grace the occasion. 

 Mr. Masud Rana (APM) presented a documentary on different types of hazard of Khulna division. After that, he discussed total project activities by showing slides in power point.

The Chief Guest focused on integrated initiatives on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. Intercontinental joint planned would be initiated, he said.  The participants showed their active interest with similar concern. The programme ended with a colourful Pot Show followed by lunch.

Reported by:

Kanika Chakroborty

District level Workshop: “Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation” by SHAPLAFUIL, Bagerhat

SHAPLAFUL, a national NGO,in Bagerhat one of the partners of Concern Universal, Bangladesh was organized an workshop on  “Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation” on 4 May, 2011 at the Circuit House in Bagerhat Zilla. This programme was organized as activities of “Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation” project of Concern Universal Bangladesh.                                     

Mr. Md. Akram, Deputy Commissioner of Bagerhat District, and Mr. Gokul Krishno Ghosh Chief Executive of Bagerhat Zilla Parishad were present as chief guest and special guest respectively. Professor Chowdhury Abdur Rob, President of the SHAPLAFUL, NGO, presided over the programme. Mr. Masud  Rana ( APM) presented a documentary on different types of hazard of Khulna division. After that, he and Kanika Chakraborty (PO) discussed total project activities by showing slides in power point.  Mr. Masud Rana and Kanika Chakraborty were present on behalf of Concern Universal, Bangladesh.                                                                                                                                                               

 In his speech, Chief Guest emphasized on the significance of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. He thanked Concern Universal as well as SHAPLAFUL for taking such a befitting initiative. This is the time to work together for community and build their own capacity so that they can reduce the risk from disaster, he urged to the audience. While the special guest appealed the audience to be played sincere role of individuals on this issues. The participants showed their active interest with similar concern.

Reported by,

Kanika Chakroborty