Results from a scientific study conducted by researchers from the University of Sheffield in the UK reveal that millions of people worldwide are drinking contaminated water with high levels of arsenic. The journal Science of The Total Environment reported that the study findings indicated many countries are using outdated guidelines from the World Health Organization regarding the permissible maximum concentration of arsenic in water, which is 50 micrograms per liter, or parts per billion, according to the analysis. These countries include China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Nepal, which together account for approximately 32% of the world's population.
The impact of arsenic found in water used for drinking, cooking, or irrigating crops can lead to a range of health problems affecting every organ in the body, as it can cause cancer, diabetes, lung diseases, and cardiovascular issues. The study included testing of inorganic arsenic levels in water used for cooking, including levels of 10 and 50 micrograms per liter, as well as drinking water containing 0.2 parts per billion.
The researchers recommended that governments introduce stricter standards for arsenic levels in water than currently in use. They advise residents to boil rice in a large amount of water instead of steaming it, as steaming can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the rice grains.
