Prevalence of arsenic contamination in rice and the potential health risks to the Bahamian population—A preliminary study

Rice is among the most important staple foods worldwide. However, consumption of rice and rice-based food products poses a potential health risk since paddy crop that well known to accumulate high concentrations arsenic (As) in its grain. In The Bahamas, although heavily consumed, it not grown locally. Instead, all consumed derived are imported. Recent surveys major exporting countries have shown significant portion their market contaminated with As. date, prevalence As available Bahamas remains unknown. Therefore, this study, we surveyed occurrence selection were on sale Bahamian market. A total 21 different brands collected. concentration estimated by target hazard quotient (THQ), index (HI), lifetime cancer (LCR). Our results showed only blue ribbon samples had an inorganic (iAs) above World Health Organization (WHO) safety limits (200 μg/kg), which based global average consumption. when factor for 79% iAs values indicative carcinogenic risks 57% suggested non-carcinogenic risks. Based our results, recommend urgent follow-up studies further test varieties show greatest LCR HI also broaden study include more off-brand/generic varieties, cooked rice, drinking water.