A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health has raised concerns about the increasing toxicity of rice, a staple food for nearly half the world’s population. Researchers from Columbia University, in collaboration with teams from China and the United States, have found that climate change is significantly boosting arsenic levels in rice, posing serious health risks.
How Climate Change Is Affecting Rice
The study highlights that rising global temperatures and increasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels are altering soil chemistry, making it easier for rice plants to absorb inorganic arsenic, a toxic heavy metal. This phenomenon is particularly alarming for Asian countries, where rice is a dietary mainstay.
Scientists discovered that when both temperature and CO₂ levels rise, arsenic accumulation in rice grains increases more than when either factor rises alone. The porous nature of rice and its submerged growing conditions make it highly susceptible to absorbing arsenic from soil and water.
Health Risks Linked to Toxic Rice
Experts warn that long-term exposure to arsenic through rice consumption could lead to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and neurological damage. The study predicts that by 2050, millions of people in India, Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines could face higher risks of arsenic-related diseases.
Possible Solutions
To mitigate the risks, scientists recommend:
- Developing arsenic-resistant rice varieties to reduce absorption.
- Improving soil and water management in rice paddies.
- Using filtered water for cooking rice to prevent additional contamination.
- Raising public awareness about arsenic exposure and its health effects.
With climate change accelerating, experts urge governments and agricultural sectors to take immediate action to safeguard global food security.
