Arsenic in Rice: Climate Change Worsening Toxicity Risks
- vidyarthee2021
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
A recent study has raised serious health concerns about the increasing concentration of arsenic in rice, linking it to the effects of climate change. The findings suggest that changing climate patterns are altering soil and water chemistry, leading to higher arsenic absorption by rice crops, thereby elevating long-term health risks.
Understanding Arsenic Pollution
What is Arsenic?
A naturally occurring element found in the Earth’s crust
Commonly found in groundwater, soil, and air
Exists in both organic and highly toxic inorganic forms
Health Impacts:
Chronic exposure leads to:
Cancer (skin, bladder, lungs)
Skin lesions and pigmentation changes
Cardiovascular diseases
Diabetes
Cognitive deficits in children
Higher mortality in young adults due to early-life exposure
Climate Change Link:
Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall affect redox reactions in soil
Enhanced mobilization of arsenic from sediments to soil and water
Increased uptake by rice plants—posing dietary risks to millions, especially in South Asia
Relevance to India and UPSC
India's Challenge:
Regions like West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Punjab report high groundwater arsenic levels
Rice being a staple, the risk is amplified in arsenic-prone zones
International Concern:
WHO guidelines limit arsenic in drinking water to 0.01 mg/L
Yet millions globally, especially in Bangladesh and India, are exposed to higher concentrations
UPSC Relevance:
GS Paper 3: Environment, Climate Change, Public Health
GS Paper 2: Government policies on drinking water, food security
UPSC Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements regarding Arsenic Pollution:
Arsenic in its organic form is more toxic than its inorganic form.
Long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to skin lesions, cancer, and developmental issues in children.
Climate change can exacerbate arsenic absorption in crops like rice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect – Inorganic arsenic is more toxic than organic arsenic
Statement 2 is correct – Chronic exposure is linked to serious health effects
Statement 3 is correct – Climate-induced changes affect arsenic mobility in the environment
UPSC Mains Question
Q. How is climate change influencing the spread of chemical pollutants like arsenic in agricultural systems? Discuss the implications for public health and food safety in India.
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