Arsenic Case

Arsenic is a major drinking water pollutant and has become an increasing problem in the 21st century. Due to large amounts of arsenic found in water and soils, there has been an increasing amount of arsenic found in many other foods and beverages, such as rice, which has led to a mass poisoning. Prolonged exposure to arsenic can increase the likelihood for several types of cancer (Hill p. 293-294). Therefore, it is essential to understand the how the arsenic is poisoning us, as well as what can be done to limit exposure in the future.

(1) Long term exposure to arsenic has been known to increase the risk of skin cancer, noticeable changes to skin and nails, as well as damage to the nervous system. There is also a possible risk to other types of cancer such as lung, bladder, liver, and kidney. Arsenic can affect nearly anyone who ingests, inhales, or touches it and is mostly likely to have harmful effects on those who ingest it through food or water over a long period of time. Rice, for example, is known to increase arsenic levels in people by 44% for those who eat it compared to those who do not (Greenaway, 2012). Another study found that pregnant women eating rice had arsenic levels higher than those who did not. This is especially concerning since arsenic is able to cross the placenta and harm a developing baby (Goodman 2011). There is also a reason for concern from an environmental perspective. Although some arsenic is natural, humans have increased the amount of arsenic in the environment due to copper, lead, and zinc production as well as through agricultural insecticides (Lenntech, 2011). Since humans are increasing the amount of arsenic in the environment, it will end up in plants, food, water, and other organisms. It is also important to note that arsenic biomagnifies in the environment, thus expanding the arsenic cycle and arsenic poisoning (Lenntech, 2011).

(2) Rice is not the only food to contain high levels of arsenic. The harmful chemical can also be found in fruit juices, leafy vegetables, cereal bars, and even baby formula. One study found that those who drank apple or grape juice had arsenic levels 20% higher than those who did not drink the juices. High levels of arsenic are also found in seafood, but it is believed that this form of arsenic is non-toxic (Goodman, 2011). Rice is particularly unique because it is grown in water flooded areas, allowing the plant to soak up the arsenic tainted water through its roots and then store it in its grains. Also, a large majority of rice production in America is in south central part of the country, which has a history of treating cotton farms with arsenic insecticides (Greenaway, 2012).

(3) The regulations and standards regarding arsenic levels in the food and beverages are done by the FDA. However, the FDA has different standards for different foods and beverages. For example, bottled water must have less than 10ppb of arsenic. The EPA regulates drinking water at 10ppb as well. The FDA also regulates arsenic in apple juices; however, there is no specific standard for juice. The FDA has stated that arsenic levels in juices are "very low" and don't pose a risk to human health. Regarding rice, the FDA has stated that they have announced a further investigation into arsenic levels in rice to determine the potential harmful effects to the public (FDA, 2011). Also, some states are taking a stance on arsenic in food, as Maryland has adopted a policy to prevent arsenic feed in chicken