Here is something that appeared in the news recently, which John Fagan commented on

In the March 19, 1997 of the Vancouver Sun, (page G9, bottom left) the following article appeared:

Plastic Plants

London's Sunday Times reported that scientists have genetically engineered oilseed rape plants so that they grow plastic polymers in their leaves and seeds. The US chemical manufacturer, Monsanto, will attempt to boost the content of the plant's plastic so it can be made into various household items such as plastic bags and bottles.
The new type of "natural" plastic is also biodegradable, so that once buried, it converts into harmless carbon dioxide and water within six months. Farmers could be growing the plastic plant crops within 10 years, according to the newspaper.'

In commenting on this point, Dr. John Fagan, molecular biologist, explained that while facts may not yet be known for this particular variety of oilseed, in previous similar cases, the new constituents that are used in plastics are oils that are toxic to animals and humans. Thus when cross-pollination occurs with wild brassica, the wild plants produce things that are toxic to the deer, rabbits, and other wildlife, as well as humans.

Richard Wolfson, PhD
Campaign to Ban Genetically Engineered Food
Natural Law Party
500 Wilbrod Street
Ottawa, ON Canada K1N 6N2
Tel. 613-565-8517 Fax. 613-565-6546
email: rwolfson@concentric.net
NLP Website: http://www.natural-law.ca
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