The GMO decision making body of South Africa has given the green light for importation of maize that has been sprayed with dangerous chemicals. Studies have shown these chemicals to cause cancer, birth defects, neurological damage and interference with reproductive function.
Unlike in the US, South Africans would be consuming this maize, putting the health of the entire South African population at risk and placing further burden on an already burdened healthcare system.
Dow Chemicals’ highly controversial 2,4-D tolerant GM maize (variety DAS 40278-9) was one of two active ingredients in the infamous chemical weapon, ‘Agent Orange’, used to devastating effect during the Vietnam war.
Linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Exposure to 2,4-D has been linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the white blood cells. Epidemiologists from the the National Cancer Institute in the USA regard this link as the strongest association yet found between a pesticide and a disease.
Dozens of human and animal studies have shown 2,4-D to cause birth defects, neurological damage, and interference with reproductive function. The use of 2,4-D in Sweden, Norway and Denmark is banned because of these well publicised links.
A petition has been created on Avaaz to ban this GM Maize in South Africa, sign it here.
Spread the word in any way you can.
Join these initiatives on Facebook:
Leave a Reply or Follow