Beyond Evolution: The Genetically Altered Future of Plants, Animals, the Earth & Man is a must read for every person that earns a living through the use of animals or plants. It should be required reading for high school students in science classes. This book breaks down the effects of bioengineering into terms that anybody can understand. The author reduces scientific jargon to every day language. It is the best book I have found on bioengineering or the "genetic altering" of plants and animals.

Dr. Michael W. Fox thoroughly examines the issue of bioengineering and cites several examples of positive use for it: to create foods that would inoculate humans against disease, to create new and safe means of birth control, and to create DNA-based tests for inherited or acquired diseases. He feels these are ethically correct. But he is quick to point out that all other applications of bioengineering cross the line with ethics and are totally unacceptable.

The arguments Fox launches against bioengineering are impressive. His statistics will overwhelm you. One example he uses is the situation with genetically engineered crops in 1998. There were almost 70 million acres planted worldwide, with 51.3 million acres in the United States. Approximately 71% were herbicide resistant and had to be sprayed with weed killers. These herbicides affect all wild plants and animals, as well as the air we breathe and the groundwater. How much of these herbicides will end up in our ponds, lakes and rivers?

The insect-resistant corn produces its own pesticide (Bt) as it grows. This toxin does not degrade quickly in the soil. Research has shown that it is likely to build up and poison the organisms that are responsible for maintaining healthy soil. This leaves the reader questioning how much of it could be released into groundwater and aquaculture units.

By far, the most hard-hitting example is the situation with the dairy cattle and artificial hormone that increases milk production, rBGH. In 1994, the FDA approved the use of this hormone by dairy farmers, despite widespread objection. The American Medical Association stated that the milk was safe and there was no reason to label the milk produced with rBGH, even though many consumers demanded to have it labeled.

British scientists had tried to tell the world that the hormone increased a cows' risk of mastitis but Monsanto blocked them for three years. It was only revealed in late 1994, after the U.S. had approved it. These scientists stated that Monsanto had covered up part of their findings on the effects of rBGH -- that it raised the white blood cell (pus) count in cows and that there was a 191% increase when compared to untreated cows.

Between September 1994 and March 1995, the reports of adverse reactions to the hormone in cattle jumped by 800%. These adverse reactions included death, serious mastitis outbreaks, hoof and leg diseases, and problems with reproduction, especially abortions. One New York dairy farmer lost one-fourth of his herd when he administered the hormone.

Canada's health organization refused to approve the hormone and Monsanto tried to bribe them with several million dollars. In 1997, the World Health Organization's Codex Alimentarius refused to approve the use of rBGH in dairy cattle due to the risks to cattle and people.

Further research showed that women are seven times more likely to have breast cancer when they have a small increase of the growth hormone Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) in their blood. This hormone has been linked to other types of cancer as well, including colon and prostate. IGF-I is up to 10 times higher in the milk of cattle injected with rBGH.

Even after being presented with all this evidence of research results, the United States refused to implement a regulation to label rBGH-produced milk so consumers could choose hormone-free milk. In repeated polls on the issue, 70 to 90% of all Americans want the milk labeled.

So goes this book, exposing cover-ups and explaining ramifications of current and potential uses of genetically engineered crops and animals. Fox has included a glossary, bibliography and list of resources that will complete your learning experience. If you have ever wanted to learn about genetic engineering, this is the book to read. It is a call to arms for every consumer in the world!

Fox is a veterinarian and a bioethicist. He had written more than 40 books at the time of this release, including Superpigs & Wondercorn: The Brave New World of Biotechnology.