Environmental and Natural Toxicants - Carcinogens & Risk Management
Naturally present chemical substances in plants can be harmful, innocuous or beneficial. Animal feeding studies and laboratory analyses are needed to evaluate their effect on human health.
Toxicity/Nutritional Testing/Research
- Food component and food additive testing
- Animal feeding studies
- Accredited facilities - American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC)
- Growth, hematology, bone marrow micronucleus tests
- Pathology accomplished by a board certified pathologist.
Inhibition of Carcinogenesis
A number of fruits and vegetables and foods derived from them have been shown to inhibit tumor formation in animal feeding studies. Research has been carried out to identify the active principles in:
- Brussels sprouts
- Wine
- Garlic
- Ongoing studies with other fruits and vegetables
Insect/Fungal/Pathogen Resistant New Cultivars of Fruits and Vegetables
Plants with improved disease resistance often produce higher levels of "natural pesticides", some of which may be harmful to humans as well as pests. Such new plants can be produced either by conventional breeding or by recombinant DNA techniques. The public demands pre-market testing and safety evaluations of these foods, particularly those produced by non-traditional methods.
Application of Waste Materials on or Near Agricultural Land
Waste materials such as sewage sludge, incinerator residue and fly ash are frequently placed on or near farm land. These materials often contain high levels of toxic inorganic (such as heavy metals) or organic (e.g. polyaromatic hydrocarbons) substances. Some of these are taken up by growing crop plants and can reach levels which are potentially dangerous. Animal feeding studies of these crops, soil chemistry, plant biochemistry, and processing studies are carried out as part of risk assessment/management of these wastes.
Contact:
Dr. Gil Stoewsand - (Tel: 315-787-2274)
Email: Gil_Stoewsand@Cornell.edu