Research by scientists at Texas A & M University on cow DNA has revealed genetic damage in herds nearby and downwind of the Formosa Plastics Corporation industrial complex at Point Comfort, Texas, where cattle ranchers have reported cattle losing weight, miscarrying, being stillborn or, in one case, being born with three legs.
The Formosa Plastics factories emit a large range of toxic chemicals including many carcinogens, and the corporation has been fined in recent years for violating health pollution standards.
Residents are concerned for their health and, based on the results of the study, researchers agree that a study on humans is warranted.
See:
Bissett W. et al. 2009. Geostatistical analysis of biomarkers of genotoxicity in cattle, Bos taurus and Bos taurus x Bos indicus, sentinels near industrial facilities. Ecotoxicology 18: 87-93.
Matthew Cimitile. 9.3. 2009. A Toxic Home on the Range? Environmental Health News.
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