From the Editor's Desk

Abstract

How far does the system safety concept extend? Does system safety apply only to autos, trains, aircraft and weapon systems, or does it also apply to other types of systems, such as the ecosystem and the food chain system? Many years ago, Rachel Carson showed how DDT was an unsafe product, and how it contaminated our food chain and caused human diseases. It seems that there is now a similar controversy emerging. Genetically modified organics (GMOs) are common foods that have been genetically modified for various reasons — mostly for business gains rather than for health improvements. Monsanto, for example, has modified common food sources, such as soybeans, corn and wheat, to be able to survive the use of the commercial pesticide weed killer, Roundup. Farmers growing GMO foods can then regularly apply Roundup to kill bugs without damaging the crop. This sounds good and makes a lot of money for Monsanto, but the downside is that Roundup is now in these foods — and research is showing that the modified food has bad effects on test animals and, therefore, possibly on humans.