Arsenic is formally not a toxin, but a metalloid that like all other elements will cause adverse effects when ingested in too high doses/concentrations.

Hello,

As we speak, arsenic (As) is not a toxin. Toxins are in general, protein substances but considering rice contamination, we definitely be cautious about the rice varieties. Depending on the genotypic characteristics, arsenic accumulations will be different in different rice cultivars. Also, depending on which country you are referring, nations might have their own promotional rice cultivars that government promotes for cultivation. So, certifying rice needs to be done on individual national basis that will be based on a long scale research on all the possible rice varieties available identifying the arsenic accumulation capacity, effect of arsenic on rice growth and yield, soil characteristics for related rice cultivation and water management practices. As we know, a standard permissible limit of As in rice grain has been declared jointly by FAO/WHO, and next we should agree on a large scale research to identify the different and best possible rice cultivars nation-wise.

Thank you for the interesting contributions

Separate from soil contamination, arsenic is often incorrectly used as a post harvest preservative / pesticide contaminating rice. Arsenic toxicity damages multi organ system in the human body.