Arsenic is a heavy metal that is toxic to humans. It’s naturally present in water or soils, and its concentration can also increase due to human activity. In addition to drinking water, the foods that are most highly exposed to contamination by arsenic are cereals, especially brown rice. Cereal products (beans and derivatives), bottled water, vegetables, fish, milk and cheeses, beer, and coffee are also subject to arsenic exposure, especially for its diffusion in agricultural land. In nature, arsenic is present in volcanic areas; and with industrialization, arsenic pollution is widespread due to pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture. Other forms of environmental pollution include waste incineration, car unloading, industrial fumes, etc. Except for brown rice, where arsenic levels are always high, contamination levels vary according to the amount of food consumed.
ARSENIC ALERT
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), has published a report on the presence of arsenic in food products available on the European market, that eventually make their way onto our tables. EFSA checks were carried out in 21 European countries, including Italy, although it is not among those most exposed to arsenic contamination in food. EFSA warns that prolonged intake of arsenic can cause serious health problems, such as dermatological diseases, skin lesions, cardio-vascular diseases, metabolic and nervous system disorders, and even some forms of cancer. In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) classified inorganic arsenic as carcinogenic for humans.
In recent years, the contamination of brown rice with arsenic has gained attention. As a result, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has turned its attention to Asian countries: notoriously rice consumers. The European Commission updated the maximum levels of arsenic present in rice-based products, and pointed out that in Europe, those who consume excessive amounts, such as certain ethnic groups and children under 3 years of age, are more exposed to arsenic contamination. The joint FAO and WHO committee has set the weekly tolerance limit to 15 micrograms per kg of body weight, but according to the EFSA, this limit should be lowered even further.
Recent scientific studies conducted by the Dartmouth College School of Medicine and published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that arsenic concentrations doubled in the urine of children who eat rice-based products, compared to children who do not consume them. These results are concerning because rice contains higher arsenic levels than what is recommended.
HOW TO PREVENT AND AVOID ARSENIC CONTAMINATION
The presence of inorganic arsenic in rice is due to its characteristics and to its cultivation method, which involves the growth of seedlings submerged in water. Consequently, scientific studies strive to find alternative cultivation methods, given that in many countries, rice is a staple food and an indispensable source of sustenance. In Italy, rice is often an alternative to pasta, and has recently become widely consumed due to the rise of gluten intolerance and celiac disease.
To avoid arsenic accumulation, rice consumption must be reduced. Special attention should be given to foods that young children consume. Try to limit the consumption of rice-based products such as flour, puffed rice, rice crackers, crackers, oil, and milk, which all contain higher levels of arsenic than whole grains. Additionally, the arsenic content of rice can be reduced by washing it prior to cooking, then cooking it in plenty of water and, finally rinsing it after cooking and before consuming. Rice should not be completely eliminated, but instead be alternated with other grain cereals.
SOURCES
