Newsweek
By Pandora Dewan
December 12, 2023
Scientists are becoming increasingly concerned about the presence of arsenic and other heavy metals in our food. Research has consistently linked exposure to these metals with increased cancer risk and other serious health conditions, with young children being particularly vulnerable.
Heavy metals occur naturally in our environment but can also build up in soil, water and the air as a result of industrial processes and pollution. These metals then become absorbed by plants, including food crops.
In two new studies from the U.S. Society for Risk Analysis, researchers have evaluated the health risks associated with exposure to these metals from common foods like rice, cereals, nuts and vegetables.