Arsenic in food chain raises health concerns
DHAKA, 19 September 2008 (IRIN) – A high concentration of arsenic in the water and soil is infiltrating Bangladeshs food chain, raising serious health concerns for millions of residents, specialists warn.
The acceptable level of arsenic in drinking water has been set at 50 parts per billion (PPB) or 0,05 microgrammes per litre of drinking water in Bangladesh, while the approved global standard set by the World Health Organization (WHO) is 10PPB.
According to new field surveys of arsenic contamination in soil, water and plants in various parts of the country by scientists from Japans Nihon University and local researchers, arsenic was found in all types of crops in the worst-affected areas.
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