Regulating Risks For Genetic Engineering

The potential benefits of genetic engineering and research are well known. Scientists are excited a out the prospects for new medications, new agricultural crops, and new means of solving environmental problems. On the other hand, the potential risks of genetic engineering are also well recognized. Scientists have been long aware that there can be unwanted side effects, unanticipated social costs and, and unseen public health and environmental risks. Theses concerns early on caused scientists to …

…should be required and enforced at each step along the way for genetically engineered organisms intended for field use or release. The result of each previous step must be made publicly available when tests are subject to approval process. The release of engineered organisms should be regulated to ensure that potentially hazardous organisms are not released into the environment without sufficient safeguards and monitoring. Stricter regulation on genetically engineered products in necessary for public safety.