Kampala, Uganda: Scientists at the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University in Uganda have exposed shocking cancer-causing arsenic concentration levels in both rice and tap water samples.
The study raises urgent concerns about the safety of two daily essentials in Ugandan households.
This comprehensive study, published in the esteemed Journal of Food Safety and Hygiene, titled “Arsenic levels in rice brands sold in Kampala: an experimental study to show the modifying effect of boiling, soaking, and washing,” uncovers a deeply concerning issue impacting countless households across Uganda.
Startling Key Findings
The research disclosed that the G-rice brand demonstrated the lowest arsenic levels, with a concentration of 1.4±0.000 ppm. In sharp contrast, the C-rice brand registered the highest levels of 2.4±0.004 ppm.
However, the true shocker was revealed when scientists examined the tap water used for rice preparation – boiling, soaking, and washing. These examinations unearthed substantially higher arsenic levels, reaching 3.5±0.000 ppm.
This revelation paints a distressing picture: tap water’s arsenic content appears to be a significant contributor to the increased presence of this heavy metal in rice.
Urgent Implications for Ugandan Health and Safety
The implications of these findings are grave, as they cast a shadow over the safety of two vital components of Ugandan daily life – rice and tap water.
Rice, a dietary staple, is consumed in countless homes, while tap water is integral to daily routines. The recorded arsenic levels in both these everyday elements warrant immediate attention.
It is now imperative for Ugandan food and water safety regulatory authorities to take swift and comprehensive action.
in this study, the scientists have called for increased vigilance, routine monitoring, and robust interventions are urgently required to address this pressing issue before it escalates.
The Dedicated Team Behind the Research
This critical study was conducted in Kampala this year by a team of dedicated researchers from the college. The team included Lawrence Fred Ssembajwe, Joshua Nfambi, Allan Lugaajju, Agnes Namaganda, Ester Lillian Acen, and Robert Kalyesubula. Their unwavering efforts have unveiled a hidden threat that demands the entire nation’s attention.
Highlighting Cancer Statistics in Uganda
The research provides a stark reminder of the alarming cancer statistics in Uganda.
In a recent retrospective population study conducted in 2018 to identify all newly diagnosed cancer cases between 2013 and 2017 in Mbarara district, southwestern Uganda, researchers found that out of the 30 health facilities contacted, 1,258 new cancer cases in Mbarara district were registered.
The study also calculated the Age-Standardized Incidence Rates for all types of cancer, which were found to be 109.9 and 91.9 per 100,000 in males and females, respectively.
These rates provide an understanding of the frequency of new cancer cases in the population.
An analysis of the most commonly diagnosed cancers revealed some notable trends. In males, the leading cancers included prostate, esophagus, stomach, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and liver. Among females, cervix uteri, breast, stomach, liver, and ovary were the most frequently diagnosed malignancies.
Perhaps the most striking finding is the estimation that approximately 1 in 8 males and 1 in 10 females in Mbarara are at risk of developing cancer before reaching the age of 75 years.
This underlines the significant cancer risk within the region, emphasizing the importance of further research and comprehensive measures for cancer prevention and treatment.
The understanding of the potential impact of cancer on the nation’s health is of utmost importance, and studies like this one shine a light on previously unrecognized risk factors.
About the Journal
The Journal of Food Safety and Hygiene (JFSH) is a highly regarded peer-reviewed journal published quarterly. It serves as a platform for valuable research in the field of food safety and hygiene, presented in the English language.
The journal aims to promote scientific knowledge by sharing original research papers, short communications, and high-quality review papers.
Focusing on a wide spectrum of aspects within the science of food safety and hygiene, the journal warmly welcomes contributions that bring fresh insights and data to the table.
This discovery is a solemn reminder of the necessity to protect the integrity of the nation’s food and water supply. Swift action is essential to address this concerning issue and ensure the health and safety of all Ugandans.
For more on this alarming story and in-depth insights from the research, visit: https://doi.org/10.18502/jfsh.v9i3.13907
About The Author
