Are rice and fruit drinks poisonous? What you need to know about arsenic.

Have you been a little worried about something that has been published in newspapers, on television, and on the Internet recently? It's the story that the rice we eat and some fruit drinks may contain a toxic chemical called arsenic. This talk has spread especially about apple and grape juice, as well as rice. It's normal to feel a little scared when you hear this. So today, let's talk about what this is really going on, should we be afraid, and what we need to know about this.

What is arsenic? How does it get into food?

Simply put, arsenic is an element that is naturally found in the earth's soil and water . It is a heavy metal, just like lead and mercury. But the problem is, in addition to this naturally occurring arsenic, arsenic is also added to the environment due to human activities.

Consider this: In the past, farmers used arsenic compounds as pesticides and fertilizers. They also used them to preserve pressure-treated wood. Arsenic added to the soil in this way can remain in the soil for years.

For example, many of the rice fields in the southern United States were once cotton fields. Arsenic-containing pesticides were used extensively to control the cotton bollworm, a pest that destroys cotton. So, the soil may still contain high levels of arsenic today.

What foods are most likely to contain arsenic?

In fact, almost all plants absorb arsenic from the soil. Green vegetables and legumes may have higher arsenic concentrations than nuts. However, since the amount of legumes we eat daily is small compared to a staple food like rice, the amount of arsenic that enters the body through them is also small.

Special attention is paid here to rice.

The reason for this is that rice is grown in flooded fields. Arsenic is an element that dissolves very easily in water. Therefore, rice plants growing in flooded fields have a greater ability to absorb arsenic than crops grown in dry soil.

Researchers have found that when they X-ray a grain of rice, most of the arsenic is concentrated in the germ . This part is removed when we make white rice (when the bran is removed). This means that brown rice, which has the bran, may have a higher arsenic concentration than white rice.

Additionally, seafood also contains high levels of arsenic, but many experts believe that seafood contains a form of arsenic that is not as toxic to our bodies.

What health problems can occur when arsenic enters the body?

This is the biggest question for everyone. The effects of arsenic entering the body vary depending on the amount and duration of exposure. Let's understand this clearly with a table.

Don't be afraid when you see these things. This is about the risks of long-term, many years of exposure to arsenic. Eating rice and drinking a fruit drink a day will not cause such severe effects.

So should we stop drinking fruit drinks and giving them to children?

No, we don't have to stop everything all at once. Experts say we need to be smart. If you or your child drinks a lot of fruit drinks every day, it's not a bad idea to cut back a little.

The best thing is,Instead of eating large amounts of the same food, try to include a variety of foods in your diet in a balanced manner.

Are organic rice and food safe in this regard?

This is a question that many people ask. Since arsenic is something that stays in the soil for years, you can't say that food grown organically is arsenic-free. Because the plant absorbs it from the soil. If there is arsenic in that soil, the plant can absorb it regardless of the cultivation method.

How do you know if your body has high arsenic levels? What should you do if you suspect this?

Long-term exposure to low levels of arsenic rarely causes obvious symptoms. Some people may experience skin discoloration, such as spots or small warts, on their hands, feet, and body over time.

The most important thing:

If you have any suspicions, fears, or symptoms of arsenic exposure through food or water, please do not make assumptions. The best thing to do is to consult your family doctor (GP) for advice.

If necessary, a doctor can check the level of arsenic in your body through blood, urine, hair, or nail tests.

If you are drinking well water and have any doubts, you can test a water sample and, if necessary, use water filters to remove arsenic from the water. If you need urgent information about any poisoning, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. However, it is essential to seek medical advice before taking any treatment for any medical condition.

What is the difference between organic and inorganic arsenic?

This is a bit technical, but let's understand it simply.

• Inorganic Arsenic: These are compounds found in the environment (soil, water). This type is considered the most harmful and dangerous to human health.
• Organic Arsenic: These are arsenic compounds that are formed in plants and animals. There is still debate about their toxicity.