August 2, 2005,
Nature.com: Arsenic levels in U.S. grown rice
are on average 1.4 to 5 times higher than in those grown
in other regions of the world according to a grain survey.
The survey team found U.S. rice to be higher in arsenic
than rice grown in Europe, India or Bangladesh. The
arsenic was found at levels that if consumed as part
of subsistence diet it could exceed the maximum recommended
allowance by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The findings, while ultimately inconclusive due to
survey size, have lead several researchers to speculate
as to the reason for the results. Some of the possible
explanations include: pesticide residue from what were
formerly cotton fields and natural geological sources.
Arsenic in low doses does not cause any serious harm
but there is evidence long term intake could increase
the risk of bladder cancer.
For the complete article go to: http://www.nature.com/news/2005/050801/full/050801-5.html
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