Arsenic puts food security at stake, say experts
Food security is at stake due to the growing threat of arsenic contamination of groundwater and the possible entry of arsenic into food chain, which is posing health hazards, experts said yesterday.
They also called on the government, non-government organisations and other stakeholders to address the issue of arsenic contamination of water and food immediately to reduce its impacts on health.They made the call at the publication ceremony of a research-based book 'Towards an Arsenic Safe Environment in Bangladesh' at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city.
Dr A Atiq Rahman, executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) and the leading author of the publication, said arsenic contamination poses major challenges in achieving the goal of safe water for all by 2011.
According to a recent survey of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and Unicef, 12.6 percent of households, equivalent to about two crore people, still drink water containing arsenic, he said.
According to the publication, arsenic poses health risks to a significant proportion of the population. Arsenic poisoning can impair the intellectual function of children. Rice irrigated with arsenic contaminated water can contribute substantially to the daily intake of arsenic, because it is the main staple food.
Arsenic may also enter the food chain through rice straw used to feed cattle, the experts said. Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury said the government has already taken steps to ensure proper management of surface water, including rainwater conservation.
Health Minister AFM Ruhul Haque said the government would continue to invest in screening and treatment of arsenicosis patients."Urgent action is needed to re-focus the attention of the nation towards an arsenic safe environment," said UN Resident Coordinator Renata Lok Dessallien.
They also called on the government, non-government organisations and other stakeholders to address the issue of arsenic contamination of water and food immediately to reduce its impacts on health.They made the call at the publication ceremony of a research-based book 'Towards an Arsenic Safe Environment in Bangladesh' at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city.
Dr A Atiq Rahman, executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) and the leading author of the publication, said arsenic contamination poses major challenges in achieving the goal of safe water for all by 2011.
According to a recent survey of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and Unicef, 12.6 percent of households, equivalent to about two crore people, still drink water containing arsenic, he said.
According to the publication, arsenic poses health risks to a significant proportion of the population. Arsenic poisoning can impair the intellectual function of children. Rice irrigated with arsenic contaminated water can contribute substantially to the daily intake of arsenic, because it is the main staple food.
Arsenic may also enter the food chain through rice straw used to feed cattle, the experts said. Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury said the government has already taken steps to ensure proper management of surface water, including rainwater conservation.
Health Minister AFM Ruhul Haque said the government would continue to invest in screening and treatment of arsenicosis patients."Urgent action is needed to re-focus the attention of the nation towards an arsenic safe environment," said UN Resident Coordinator Renata Lok Dessallien.
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