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Resolution by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine Urging NIH to Follow Up on Russian Rat Study
October 30, 2005
The American Academy of Environmental Medicine was presented with the results from a study by Dr. Irina Ermakova, a biologist at the Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS). In her study, which was originally presented on October 10, 2005 to the symposium on genetic modification, organized by the National Association for Genetic Security (NAGS), female rats were fed Roundup Ready™ brand genetically engineered soy flour before and during pregnancy, and during lactation. An astounding 55.6% of the offspring died within three weeks, compared to only 9% from the group whose mothers consumed non-genetically engineered soy flour. Furthermore, those in the Roundup Ready group also exhibited significant reduction in weight compared to the controls.
We recognize that this study is preliminary in nature. It hasn't yet been peer reviewed and the methodology has not been spelled out in detail. But given the magnitude of the findings and the implications for human health, we urge the National Institutes of Health to immediately replicate the research.
As clinicians focused on the health impacts of environmental influences, including diet, we understand that if genetically engineered soy contains significant toxins, allergens or nutritional differences, the risk to human health could be widespread. And because there have been no human clinical trials or post-market surveillance on genetically engineered soy, the effects would be difficult to identify. Thus, Dr. Ermakova's dramatic findings might be an indicator of a human health-related problem that has escaped detection. Just as a swift response is required in the case of a natural disaster, it is needed now in response to this study. We must do the proper rigorous and independent follow-up research to make sure that a health disaster isn't already upon us.
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