How does gene editing differ from traditional genetic modification?

Gene editing in humans presents several potential risks:

1. Off-target effects: Unintended genetic modifications can occur at sites other than the intended target, potentially leading to harmful mutations.
2. Immune response: The introduction of gene-editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 could trigger an immune response, potentially causing inflammation or other immune-related issues.
3. Genetic mosaicism: Not all cells may be edited uniformly, resulting in a mix of edited and unedited cells, which can complicate the effects and outcomes.
4. Ethical concerns: There are significant ethical issues, particularly with germline editing, which can pass changes to future generations and affect the human gene pool.
5. Long-term effects: The long-term consequences of gene editing are still unknown, and unforeseen health issues could arise over time.
6. Access and inequality: Gene editing could lead to social and economic disparities if only available to certain groups, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities.

These risks highlight the need for careful consideration and regulation in the development and application of gene-editing technologies.