Climate change will make rice toxic, say researchers
a year ago
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- #public-health
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- Rice, the world's most consumed grain, will become increasingly toxic due to rising CO2 levels and atmospheric heat.
- Rice absorbs high levels of arsenic, a carcinogenic toxin, especially dangerous for infants.
- Climate change exacerbates arsenic levels in rice, increasing health risks like cancer and heart disease.
- Research shows that combined increases in CO2 and temperature significantly raise arsenic levels in rice.
- Countries with high rice consumption, such as China and India, face elevated disease risks.
- Regulators need to set stricter arsenic limits in food, as current FDA guidelines are lacking.
- Potential solutions include developing less absorbent rice strains and promoting alternative foods.
- Climate change mitigation is crucial to reducing arsenic-related health risks in rice.