Human arsenic exposure risk via crop consumption and global trade from groundwater-irrigated areas

Abstract While drinking water is known to create significant health risk in arsenic hazard areas, the role of exposure through food intake less well understood, including impact trade. Using best available datasets on crop production, irrigation, groundwater hazard, and international trade flows, we estimate that globally 17.2% irrigated harvested area (or 45.2 million hectares) 42 main crops are grown contributing 19.7% total or 418 metric tons (MMT) per year these by mass. Two-thirds this dedicated major staple rice, wheat, maize (RWM) produces 158 MMT RWM, which 8.0% RWM production 18% production. More than 25% consumed South Asian countries India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, where both degree irrigation high, originate from areas. Exposure also comes trade, with 10.6% 2.4% 4.1% flows coming Trade plays a critical redistributing risk, greatest borne high dependence imports, particularly Middle East small island nations for all imported. Intensifying climate variability population growth may increase reliance Results show could 54.1 hectares (179% over current area), predominantly Southeast Asia. This calls need better understand relative intake, considering influence growing increased