New York, USA – Rice, a staple food for billions worldwide, may face an increase in arsenic levels due to climate change, according to a recent study. Scientists have discovered that as carbon emissions rise and the Earth warms, so do the levels of arsenic in rice. This poses a significant concern for public health.
A recent 10-year study conducted in China found that arsenic levels in rice are on the rise as CO2 levels increase in the atmosphere. The researchers grew 28 strains of paddy rice in various locations and modeled how these elevated arsenic levels could impact public health. The study estimated that this increase in arsenic levels could lead to approximately 19.3 million more cancer cases in China alone.
Lewis Ziska, an associate professor at Columbia University in New York and co-author of the study, emphasized the harmful effects of inorganic arsenic, labeling it as a carcinogen with adverse effects on pulmonary and cardiovascular health. The study’s predictions go beyond the scenarios outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, painting a grim picture of the potential impact of unchecked carbon emissions on rice crops in the future.
The study also highlights the importance of understanding the microbiome of the soil in flooded rice paddies, where anaerobic bacteria can turn to arsenic due to the lack of oxygen. As temperatures and CO2 levels increase, this process becomes more potent, potentially affecting 90% of the rice strains studied over the years.
Public health experts express concern over the health impacts of inorganic arsenic, noting its association with various cancers. As research reveals the potency of arsenic as a carcinogen, the need for stricter monitoring and regulation of arsenic exposures in food becomes apparent. Policymakers are urged to address this issue and consider implementing measures to reduce arsenic levels in rice through changes in agricultural practices.
In conclusion, the study’s findings shed light on the urgent need to address the rising levels of arsenic in rice caused by climate change. With the potential health risks posed by inorganic arsenic, efforts to mitigate these impacts through regulation and agricultural changes are crucial to safeguarding public health globally.