posted on 2010-07-17 by JPerez
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanvernon/3200789230/

Having identified a list of possible damages that may occur as a result of the use or release of genetically modified organisms, the next question is how likely any of these can occur? Like the original "brainstorming" of potential harm, the answer to this question depends largely on how organisms and their interaction in the environment are understood. The risks should be evaluated case by case, as new applications of genetic engineering are introduced. In some circumstances, it is possible to assess risks with great confidence. For example, it is infinitely probable that genetically palms thrive in the Arctic, regardless of whether the genes were added. But for many potential harms, the answers are much less safe.

Risk assessments can be complicated. Because rigorous evaluation, including trials, involves numerous assumptions and are often controversial when used to support particular government decisions. For example, the adoption of the first genetically pumpkin by the Department of Agriculture United States involved a risk assessment of controversy.

Source: http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/science_and_impacts/impacts_genetic_engineering/risks-of-genetic-engineering.html