NEWS
BASF plans 5-year GMO potato experiment near Hill of Tara
30th January 2006
The German company BASF Plant Science GmbH (an affilate of the giant transnational chemicals and drugs company BASF) has notified the EPA of its intention to deliberately release GMO potatoes into the environment 9km south of the Hill of Tara, on a 2 Ha plot at Arodstown, Summerhill, Co. Meath. The site is located 2km north of the R156 road between Dunboyne and Summerhill (approx. OS grid reference: N 885 500). If given the go-ahead, this would be the first Irish release of GMO crops since protestors ended Monsanto's GMO beet trials in 1998. The Notification submitted by BASF does not appear to include plans for any environmental impact assessment. Farmers, environmental groups and consumers have expressed total opposition to this unwanted experiment which would terminate Ireland's economically valuable GM-free status. The deadline for related public submissions to the EPA is 5pm on 22 February 2006.
Deadline for public objections to the EPA: 22 February 2006
Please download the EPA's general information note to make a submission.
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Scientists Report on Mobile Phone Risks
The latest research into potential health risks from mobile phones is being spelt out by Government scientists. It is the first appraisal of mobile phone safety since the Stewart Report in 2000 concluded that there was no clear evidence that they were harmful to health. But it did accept there may be biological effects below guideline radiation levels and recommended a "precautionary approach". People were advised to keep mobile phone calls brief, and to discourage children from using handsets. Children are considered more at risk because they have thinner skulls, smaller heads, and nervous systems that are still developing.