Climate change and rising carbon dioxide levels can lead to higher arsenic in rice. This is a concern for health. Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic can cause serious diseases like cancer and heart disease.
The study shows that if temperatures rise and carbon dioxide increases, the arsenic amounts in rice will go up. This is a big issue in places like Asia, where rice is a main food.
Researchers suggest we need better soil management and plant breeding to lower arsenic levels in rice.
Difficult words
- arsenic — A toxic chemical element harmful to health.arsenic levels, arsenic amounts
- exposure — The state of being in contact with something harmful.
- serious — Very important or dangerous; not light.serious diseases
- management — The process of organizing and controlling something.soil management
- breeding — The activity of producing new plants or animals.plant breeding
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What should people do to avoid arsenic in rice?
- How can farmers improve rice safety?
- Do you think climate change will affect food more in the future?
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