Climate Change Threatens Rice: Arsenic Levels Soar, Posing Major Health Risks

• Rising global temperatures and CO₂ levels are causing rice to absorb high amounts of arsenic, according to international research.
• A Columbia University study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found inorganic arsenic levels increase in rice grown in hot, carbon-rich environments.
• Arsenic, a naturally occurring element, can cause heart disease, diabetes, and cancers of the skin, lungs, and bladder if consumed.
• Flooded cultivation methods for rice lead to 10-20 times higher arsenic absorption compared to other crops, a problem observed in China and other Asian countries like India.
• Experts suggest reducing global emissions, developing low-arsenic rice varieties, and dietary changes like using Basmati rice and millets to mitigate risks.

Why It Matters: Climate change is increasing arsenic in rice, posing severe health risks; urgent action on emissions and diet is needed.