Arsenic contamination in rice consumption in Bandung city - West Java

Abstract Arsenic contamination in rice is of concern due to the potential health risks associated with various health problems, including certain types of bladder and lung cancers and skin lesions. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can be found in soil and water and its contamination in rice is possible. Meanwhile, rice is a staple food in Indonesia and its consumption is widespread across the country. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Indonesia is the world’s fifteenth-largest rice consumption with 128.6 kg per capita per year thus arsenic in rice is a concern. This study was conducted to measure the arsenic contamination in rice consumed by people in Bandung. Bandung was preferably selected due to its high population. As the capital city of West Java, its population hits more than 2.5 million and places it as the 5th most populated area in Indonesia. Ten rice samples were collected from a traditional market in Bandung, West Java. The sample was prepared using the Indonesian Regulation Standard (SNI) method and measured by ICP-MS. The arsenic concentration in rice was found varies between 0.0775-0.2550 mg/kg. The maximum allowable arsenic content for consumption based on the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) is 0.4 mg/kg, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) is 0.3 mg/kg, and according to the European Commission Standard for parboiled milled rice, the maximum level is 0.15 mg/kg. The HQ As value was higher than 1 (HQAs > 1), the rice in Bandung Market have potential for non-carcinogenic risk in long-term. ILCRAs result in this study between ILCR > 10 −3 and >10 −4 indicates threshold cancer risk for rice consumption. By calculating the ILCR, scientists and policymakers can prioritize interventions, implement regulatory measures, and develop strategies to reduce exposure levels, ultimately mitigating the potential cancer risks within a given population. It is important to note that the study should be continued over the next few years, to monitor the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated rice.