A new report by the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says that crops such as wheat and maize
are generating more potential toxins as a reaction to protect themselves from
extreme weather. These chemical compounds are harmful to people and animals if
consumed for a prolonged period of time, according to a report released during
a United Nations Environment Assembly meeting in Nairobi.
"Crops are responding to
drought conditions and increases in temperature just like humans do when faced
with a stressful situation," explained Jacqueline McGlade, chief scientist
and director of the Division of Early Warning and Assessment at UNEP.
Under normal conditions, for
instance, plants convert nitrates they absorb into nutritious amino acids and
proteins. But prolonged drought slows or prevents this conversion, leading to
more potentially problematic nitrate accumulating in the plant, the report said.