Arsenic - where it hides and how to treat your rice.

Hidden toxin in plain view (When the waiter asks "plain white rice or fried rice"). Some fun facts are included.

In this article, I will discuss how arsenic can be present in food. Rice especially, but also in fruits.

Arsenic, a naturally occurring element, often finds its way into various food products primarily through environmental sources. For example, rice is particularly prone to arsenic accumulation because it is grown in water-flooded conditions that facilitate the uptake of arsenic from soil and water.

Arsenic (As) #33 on Periodic Table of Elements [74.922]

The way rice is grown lends itself to bioaccumulation of arsenic salts from surrounding soil and water and parked in the grain. Seafood can also contain arsenic, though in less toxic organic forms, due to its presence in marine environments. Additionally, fruits and vegetables may absorb arsenic from contaminated soil or water, particularly when grown near industrial facilities or in areas with naturally high arsenic levels. Industry upstream from farms and agricultural centers is the most culprit and makes the agriculture downstream susceptible. Just like farm-raised fish downstream from industry can be poisoned by various chemicals, including arsenic. [more after the break]