Cancer Deaths Double In Argentina's GMO Agribusiness Areas

Sharply increased levels of crop spraying in Argentina's most intensively farmed areas have resulted in a public health disaster, writes Lawrence Woodward, with large increases in cancer incidence. And it's all the result of the widespread use of GMO crops engineered for herbicide resistance.

A report by the Ministry of Health in Córdoba, Argentina reveals that deaths from cancerous tumours are double the national average in areas where genetically engineered crops are grown and agro-chemicals are used.  This comprehensive report documented five years of information on cancer cases in the province.  It provides more evidence that, far from being the miracle it is claimed to be, industrial, GMO driven cropping is turning into a public health hell.

The highest rate of death occurs in the 'pampa gringa' area, where most GMO crops are grown and most agrochemicals are used.  The 'pampa gringa' makes up the whole of the east of Córdoba province and is its premier agricultural region.  The provincial average for cancer deaths is 158 per 100,000 inhabitants but in four of the 'pampa gringa' departments the death rates are much higher - ranging from 216 to nearly 230.

Other intensive agriculture regions in Córdoba also have cancer deaths well above the provincial and national average - ranging from 180-201 per 100,000 inhabitants.  Cancer multiplying 'as never before' through pesticide link  The 'Report on Cancer in Córdoba 2004-2009' is the culmination of an official investigation and was prepared by the Provincial Tumour Registry and the Department of Statistics and Census...