Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Climate Change Threatens Rice with Toxic Arsenic
Scientists have found that because of climate change, rice is absorbing more arsenic, a poisonous substance, from the soil.
This makes rice more dangerous to eat.
If we don't reduce greenhouse gases, by 2050, rice could become very harmful to our health.
This problem is especially bad in countries like China, India, and Vietnam.
Eating too much arsenic can cause serious diseases like cancer and heart problems.
To fix this, scientists suggest growing new types of rice that don't absorb as much arsenic and washing rice well before eating it.
Other foods like wheat and vegetables might also lose nutrients or become less healthy due to climate change.
However, some foods like millets, pulses, sea grass, and sweet potatoes are more resistant to these changes and could be better choices in the future.
Rising temperatures and CO₂ levels are increasing arsenic absorption in rice, making it toxic.
Long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
By 2050, arsenic concentrations in rice could reach dangerous thresholds if emissions continue.
Other crops like wheat, pulses, and vegetables may also lose nutritional value or become less healthy.
Climate-resilient foods like millets, pulses, sea grass, and sweet potatoes offer hope for the future.
- Who
- Researchers from Columbia University and scientists studying rice cultivation in Asia
- What
- Rising temperatures and CO₂ levels are increasing arsenic absorption in rice, making it toxic
- When
- Projected to reach dangerous thresholds by 2050
- Where
- Primarily in Asia, including China, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Vietnam
- Why
- Climate change alters soil chemistry, making arsenic more soluble and increasing its absorption by rice
- Study Source
- Columbia University, published in The Lancet Planetary Health
- Primary Risk
- Increased arsenic absorption in rice due to higher temperatures and CO₂ levels
- Health Risks
- Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and brain disorders in children
- Most Affected Regions
- China, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam
- Projected Year for Dangerous Thresholds
- 2050
- Recommended Solutions
- Developing new rice varieties, choosing basmati rice, avoiding brown rice, washing and boiling rice thoroughly
- Other At-Risk Crops
- Wheat, pulses, vegetables, and maize
- Climate-Resilient Foods
- Millets, pulses, sea grass, and sweet potatoes