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Tainted wells pose food threat in Bangladesh

Source: New Scientist

6 December 2002 | EN

Communities in Bangladesh that are already being subjected to arsenic-tainted groundwater may also be eating food laced with arsenic.

Andrew Meharg and Mazibur Rahman of the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom, tested rice samples in Bangladesh and found high levels of arsenic.

Arsenic poisoning can cause cancers and damage to the nervous system. If the body can absorb arsenic from food — which is yet to be proven — then merely tackling drinking water contamination will not be enough.

Link to New Scientist news story

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