A recent study published in April 2025 in 'Lancet Planetary Health' reveals alarming findings about the safety of rice as climate change intensifies.

The research indicates that climate change is increasing arsenic levels in rice, a staple food for approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide.

Findings show that when both temperature and CO2 levels rise, arsenic concentrations in rice increase significantly more than with either factor alone.

Conducted from 2014 to 2023 in China's Yangtze River Delta, the study examined how elevated CO2 and temperature impact arsenic levels in rice paddies.

The study involved cultivating 28 rice varieties and utilizing computer models to project the impact of climate change on arsenic levels in seven rice-dependent countries by 2050.

Under current climate conditions, approximately 13.4 million lifetime cancer cases in China are attributed to arsenic in rice, with projections suggesting this number could rise to 19.3 million under future climate scenarios.

Projected health risks associated with arsenic in rice may increase by up to 44% in major rice-consuming countries due to these climate scenarios.

Rice naturally contains arsenic, a toxic element linked to serious health issues such as cancers and developmental problems, particularly in its inorganic form.

The authors of the study emphasize the urgent need for action against climate change to mitigate its effects on food safety and public health.

Mitigation strategies proposed include alternating wetting and drying of rice paddies to reduce arsenic absorption and breeding arsenic-resistant rice strains.

Home cooking methods, such as rinsing rice and cooking it in excess water, can effectively reduce arsenic levels by up to 60%.

As climate change continues to pose a threat, the implications for public health and food safety are becoming increasingly critical.