Climate Change May Increase Arsenic Levels in Rice

A six-year study reveals that climate change, specifically rising CO2 and temperature, increases inorganic arsenic levels in rice grains. Rice cultivation involves flooding paddies, leading to arsenic absorption from the water. Inorganic arsenic, a toxic substance from industrial materials, contaminates water sources. Exposure to inorganic arsenic is linked to various health issues, including cancers and heart disease. This research highlights the potential threat of climate change to food security and human health, especially in regions where rice is a staple food.