The impact of **climate change** could significantly increase levels of **arsenic** in **rice**, [an essential food](https://noticiasambientales.com/bienestar/descubren-que-el-residuo-de-la-fermentacion-del-arroz-es-un-superalimento/) for millions of people in **Asia**. This phenomenon would increase health risks, including serious diseases such as **cancer, diabetes, and heart conditions**.
According to a study by the **Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health**, published in **The Lancet Planetary Health**, the increase in **temperatures** and **carbon dioxide (CO2)** favors the absorption of arsenic in flooded rice crops.
It is estimated that, by **2050**, this scenario could trigger **millions of cancer cases** in the Asian population.
## The connection between climate and arsenic in rice fields
Researchers found that an **increase in temperatures exceeding 2°C**, along with higher **CO2 levels**, leads to a higher concentration of **inorganic arsenic** in rice crops. This phenomenon is attributed to **chemical alterations in the soil** that favor the availability of arsenic compounds that can be absorbed by the grain.
“The increase in arsenic levels could result in a significant rise in heart diseases, diabetes, and other conditions,” explained **Lewis Ziska**, associate professor at **Columbia University**.
The study, conducted in collaboration with **Johns Hopkins University** and the **Chinese Academy of Sciences**, identified that flooded rice cultivation is especially vulnerable to these environmental changes.
## Alarming projections for 2050
To assess the risks, scientists analyzed **28 varieties of rice** over **ten years** under real cultivation conditions. Additionally, they used predictive models to calculate arsenic exposure in **seven Asian countries**: **Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Vietnam**.
Estimates indicate that by **2050**, the **cancer cases linked to arsenic-contaminated rice consumption** will dramatically increase. China would be the most affected country, with a forecast of **13.4 million new diagnoses**, mainly for **lung and bladder cancer**.
“Inorganic arsenic is closely linked to multiple diseases, including lung, bladder, and skin cancers, as well as cardiovascular problems,” detailed **Ziska**. “There are also indications that prolonged exposure to arsenic could be related to diabetes, pregnancy complications, neurodevelopmental alterations, and impacts on the immune system.”
## Strategies to mitigate exposure
In light of these findings, researchers propose various measures to [**reduce arsenic pollution**](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/arsenico-en-el-agua-medidas-cautelares-ante-un-reclamo-de-vecinos/) in the future:
– **Improving the cultivation of resistant varieties** that minimize arsenic absorption.
– **Optimizing soil management in rice fields** to limit the accumulation of contaminants.
– **Implementing more efficient refining processes** to reduce the presence of arsenic in the final product.
– **Promoting public health initiatives** focused on **educating consumers** and **monitoring exposure**.
These efforts could mitigate risks and contribute to food security in regions where **rice** is the **staple of daily diet**.
