September 24, 2012 

Arsenic In Rice

We have received a large volume of calls regarding this issue this week.

Consumer Reports has just completed an analysis of the arsenic content in commercially sold rice.  Here are their findings:

Arsenic is used in the strengthening of copper and lead alloys, in semiconductor electronic devices, and production of pesticides (treated wood products), herbicides, and insecticides.  It occurs naturally in volcanic ash and leaching from ore into groundwater.

It is absorbed by all plants, but is especially taken up in leafy vegetables, rice and seafood.

Arsenic is poisonous to mammalian and other cell types.  Its toxicity to insects, fungi and bacteria lead to its use in treated wood.  The current contamination issue seems to be related to lead arsenate insecticides that were used on cotton fields in the 60's and 70's.  These residues of arsenic end up in the ground water and then are used to irrigate the rice fields.  

Arsenic is strongly believed to cause cancer.  From the American Cancer Society we see that people with chronic exposure to arsenic have higher risks of cancers of the bladder, kidney, lung, skin, and, less consistently, colon and liver.

What to do with the rice issue?  

Again, I will not wait to see the data substantiated and expose my family to harm.  Prudently, I will encourage my family and patients to reduce their consumption of rice products if they consume rice more than 5X per week. Eliminating rice is unnecessary at this point.  A well balanced and diverse diet is the best way to avoid overexposure to any chemical.  Arsenic is just one of many toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis.  

Juicing with vegetables and fruits can help the body naturally detoxify.  

With respect,