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Organics |
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environmental
kitchen archivehazards
of cancer |
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| Hazards of Cancer |
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Increased Cancer Risks In 1994, the FDA approved
the sale of Monsanto's controversial GE recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone
(rBGH)--injected into dairy cows to force them to produce more milk--
even though scientists warned that significantly higher levels (400-500%
or more) of a potent chemical hormone, Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1),
in the milk and dairy products of injected cows, could pose serious hazards
for human breast, prostate, and colon cancer. A number of studies have
shown that humans with elevated levels of IGF-1 in their bodies are much
more likely to get cancer. In addition the US Congressional watchdog agency,
the GAO, told the FDA not to approve rBGH, arguing that increased antibiotic
residues in the milk of rBGH-injected cows (resulting from higher rates
of udder infections requiring antibiotic treatment) posed an unacceptable
risk for public health. In 1998, heretofore undisclosed Monsanto/FDA documents
were released by government scientists in Canada, showing damage to laboratory
rats fed dosages of rBGH. Significant infiltration of rBGH into the prostate
of the rats as well as thyroid cysts indicated potential cancer hazards
from the drug. Subsequently the government of Canada banned rBGH in early
1999. The European Union has had a ban in place since 1994. Although rBGH
continues to be injected into 4-5% of all US dairy cows, no other industrialized
country has legalized its use. Even the GATT Codex Alimentarius, a United
Nations food standards body, has refused to certify that rBGH is safe.
Information provided with the help of Ronnie Cummins at the
Organic Consumers Association
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