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Environmental risks of chemicals and genetically modified organisms: A comparison

Part I: Classification and characterisation of risks posed by chemicals and GMOs

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Abstract

Risks can be characterised by several parameters. A risk is commonly defined to be the product of the extent of damage and the probability of its occurrence. But there are several other characteristics to be taken into account: degree of certainty in determining extent and probability, persistency, ubiquity, irreversibility, delay effect and mobilisation potential. As potential risks of genetically modified plants (GMPs), resistance to antibiotics, impact on non-target organisms, spread of genes and GMOs, and secondary consequences, e.g. on cultivation practice, are discussed in detail. Risks of GMPs are, in general, characterised by high uncertainly of the magnitude and probability of damage, a high mobilisation potential and a delay effect.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Federal Environmental Agency (Umweltbundesamt - UBA), IV 2 (Stoffbewertung und Gentechnik), Postfach 330022, D-14191, Berlin, Germany

    Klaus Günter Steinhäuser

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  1. Klaus Günter Steinhäuser
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Additional information

Part II: Sustainabillty and Precaution in Risk assessment and Risk management [DOl: http://dx.doi.Org/10.1065/espr2000 12.044]

The view expressed in this review are those of the author only and do not reflect policies or views of any organisation concerned. The article has not been approved as an official publication of UBA.

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Steinhäuser, K.G. Environmental risks of chemicals and genetically modified organisms: A comparison. Environ Sci & Pollut Res 8, 120–126 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02987305

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02987305

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