Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The paper provides a thorough review of arsenic contamination in water and rice, particularly focusing on its impact on human cognitive health. This review examines arsenic contamination levels in rice and water, especially in Southeast Asia, where arsenic exposure through these sources is prevalent. It highlights evidence linking prenatal and childhood exposure to arsenic with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other cognitive dysfunctions, emphasizing the need for further research into the long-term effects of arsenic exposure on human cognitive development.
Who is affected?
The review primarily targets populations in Southeast Asia, including countries like Bangladesh, India, China, and other regions with high arsenic contamination in water and rice. Children, pregnant women, and infants are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of arsenic exposure, which can occur through drinking contaminated water or consuming arsenic-laden rice. These populations, especially in rural and agricultural areas, face a higher risk due to chronic exposure to arsenic, which is linked to developmental and cognitive health issues.
Most important findings
The review highlights the significant impact of arsenic exposure on human cognitive function, particularly in children. Studies show that prenatal and postnatal exposure to arsenic, even at low-to-moderate levels, is linked to cognitive impairments such as reduced IQ and attention deficits. Children exposed to high arsenic levels in drinking water (greater than 50 µg/L) show a clear correlation with cognitive decline, including behavioral issues like increased anxiety and depression. Additionally, prenatal arsenic exposure is associated with developmental delays, including autism spectrum traits. Despite the evidence of these effects, the review points out that many regions with arsenic contamination lack adequate monitoring and intervention programs. The review calls for more research to explore the long-term cognitive effects of arsenic exposure, particularly in low-exposure settings, to better understand the full scope of its neurotoxic potential.
Key implications
Arsenic exposure poses significant risks to cognitive health, especially in children during critical developmental windows. Given the widespread contamination of water and rice in several Southeast Asian countries, the review emphasizes the need for stronger regulatory measures to limit arsenic exposure from these sources. These measures could include enforcing stricter limits on arsenic concentrations in food and drinking water, and implementing monitoring systems to better track exposure levels in vulnerable populations. Public health policies must address the cumulative risk of long-term, low-level arsenic exposure, focusing on preventive strategies for at-risk groups, especially in high-exposure regions. Furthermore, the review highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive research to fully understand the neurotoxic effects of arsenic, which could inform future public health interventions and regulations.
Citation
Abu Bakar, N., Wan Ibrahim, W. N., & Mohd Faudzi, S. M. (2025). Arsenic contamination in rice and drinking water: An insight on human cognitive function. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 17, 100543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100543
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid that ranks first on the ATSDR toxic substances list. Inorganic arsenic contaminates water, rice and consumer products, and exposure is linked to cardiovascular disease, cognitive deficits, low birth weight and cancer. HMTC’s stringent certification applies ALARA principles to protect vulnerable populations.
