What is it?
Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal – it’s a carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical) and when ingested in large amounts can lead to arsenic poisoning. According to the World Health Organization, long-term exposure (about 5 years) can lead to skin abnormalities such as pigment changes, redness, and hard patches. Long-term exposure is also linked to developmental effects, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary disease. Arsenic-based pesticides were used throughout history, particularly on American cotton fields, but are now banned for use in the United States.
Why Do We Care?
The use of arsenic-based pesticides on cotton fields continues to contaminate today’s crops. Meaning that food grown on a contaminated farm is currently in our food system. It is important to know where your food is coming from in cases like this.
The highest levels of arsenic are found in the west/midwest, parts of texas, the northeast, and throughout Ohio. Lowest levels are seen throughout California and Delaware. Most people are concerned about the level of arsenic in rice. Brown rice tends to have higher levels of arsenic because it is not stripped of the outer layer like white rice is. However, lower levels of arsenic in rice are seen in the rice that is grown with the lowest levels in the soil. Therefore, rice from California and Asia is the safest rice to consume.
What Are My Best Options?
- Opt for quinoa, millet, or amaranth if you eat grains often
- If you decide to consume rice, clean it thoroughly: Soak rice in apple cider vinegar for 30 minutes and rinse in hot water until the water runs clear
- When it comes to rice:
- Brown rice: higher in fiber, B vitamins, but higher arsenic levels as well.
- White rice: lower in fiber and B vitamins, but also lower in arsenic.
- Choose varieties that come from California or Asia to prevent arsenic toxicity.
https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/files/arsenicsoilfaq.pdf
https://www.dartmouth.edu/~arsenicandyou/sources/locations.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1892142/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140416125432.htm
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/arsenic
