Study links Climate Cange with Rising Arsenic Levels in Rice

Rising arsenic levels in rice, exacerbated by climate change, pose significant health risks, including cancer and developmental issues.

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Context: According to a recent study, Climate Change is likely to increase Arsenic contamination in Rice.

Rising Arsenic Levels in Rice: Key Findings of the Study

When CO₂ levels and temperature rise at the same time, arsenic levels in rice also go up.
This arsenic comes from the soil and water where rice is grown.
Flooded fields (paddies), where rice is usually grown, make it easier for the plant to absorb arsenic.

Arsenic is a toxic element found naturally in soil and water, and also comes from industrial pollution.
The form of arsenic that builds up in rice (called inorganic arsenic) is especially harmful to humans.
Eating rice with high arsenic levels for a long time can lead to:
- Cancers: skin, bladder, and lung
- Heart diseases, Diabetes, Pregnancy problems, Weaker immunity, etc.
Countries at greater Risk: India, Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Indonesia.