So-called 'naked DNA' (DNA stripped of its protein in a laboratory or by exposure to natural detergents or phenols in the environment for use in genetic engineering) poses serious threats to human health. A key finding is that naked viral DNA is more infectious than the intact virus, it can be taken up by cells and infect people or animals that are not part of the normal host range of the virus. Anyone exposed to GM crops is in danger, and particularly if exposed to plants genetically modified with a human gene. Exposure can be through eating the plant, breathing in its pollen, or touching cut, wounded or decaying plant parts.

The impact of GM proteins and genes in the contamination of surface and groundwater have been dangerously underestimated. Much further study is needed pending which field trials should be curtailed.

Original source: Unregulated hazards `naked' and `free' nucleic acids. Mae Wan Ho, Angela Ryan, T. Traavic & Jo Cummins. Institute of Science in Society January 2000.

Available on website www.i-sis.org