Arsenic contamination in groundwater, food chains puts food security at risk
UNB, Dhaka
The country's food security is at high risk due to emerging threats of arsenic contamination in groundwater and food chains, which also pose severe health hazards for millions of people.
According to a paper released Monday, urgent action is needed with integrated efforts involving Ministries concerned, NGOs and development partners to address arsenic contamination of water and food for mitigating the impact in the human bodies.
The government and the United Nations jointly launched the publication titled 'Towards an arsenic Safe Environment in Bangladesh' at a function at Bangabandhu International Conference Center on the occasion of World Water Day-2010.
Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, Health Minister Dr AFM Ruhal Haque and UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh Renata Lok Dessallien attended the launching ceremony.
Prof Dr A Atiq Rahman, environmentalist and also executive director of Bangladesh Center for Advanced Studies (BCAS), in a presentation at the function said arsenic contamination poses major challenges to achieving the goal of safe water for all by 2011.
Referring to a recent survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and UNICEF, he mentioned that 12.6 percent of households - equivalent to 20 million people - still drink water containing arsenic above the government standard of 50 micrograms per liter.
Dr A Atiq Rahman said scientists have identified arsenic contamination as the emerging threats in health and agriculture sectors. There are more evidences of health impact of arsenic, which can significantly increase mortality from various types of cancers, heart attacks and cardio-pulmonary diseases.
Referring to the suggestion of a research work, he said rice irrigated with arsenic contaminated water can contribute substantially to the daily intake of arsenic in Bangladesh because it is the staple food.
Addressing the function, Matia Chowdhury said the Ministry of Agriculture has taken steps to ensure proper management of surface water, including rainwater conservation. "Our demand is not only for arsenic free water but also to ensure safe drinking water."
The Agriculture Minister, however, contested the findings of arsenic in the food chains saying that tampering has been done everywhere suggesting arsenic in rice and vegetables. "The reality should be understood and we've to think considering our own reality," she said.
Mentioning arsenic contamination in groundwater found in early 90s, Health Minister Dr Ruhal Haque said the government is addressing the issues of arsenic problems under health and nutritional programmes.
UNB, Dhaka
The country's food security is at high risk due to emerging threats of arsenic contamination in groundwater and food chains, which also pose severe health hazards for millions of people.
According to a paper released Monday, urgent action is needed with integrated efforts involving Ministries concerned, NGOs and development partners to address arsenic contamination of water and food for mitigating the impact in the human bodies.
The government and the United Nations jointly launched the publication titled 'Towards an arsenic Safe Environment in Bangladesh' at a function at Bangabandhu International Conference Center on the occasion of World Water Day-2010.
Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, Health Minister Dr AFM Ruhal Haque and UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh Renata Lok Dessallien attended the launching ceremony.
Prof Dr A Atiq Rahman, environmentalist and also executive director of Bangladesh Center for Advanced Studies (BCAS), in a presentation at the function said arsenic contamination poses major challenges to achieving the goal of safe water for all by 2011.
Referring to a recent survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and UNICEF, he mentioned that 12.6 percent of households - equivalent to 20 million people - still drink water containing arsenic above the government standard of 50 micrograms per liter.
Dr A Atiq Rahman said scientists have identified arsenic contamination as the emerging threats in health and agriculture sectors. There are more evidences of health impact of arsenic, which can significantly increase mortality from various types of cancers, heart attacks and cardio-pulmonary diseases.
Referring to the suggestion of a research work, he said rice irrigated with arsenic contaminated water can contribute substantially to the daily intake of arsenic in Bangladesh because it is the staple food.
Addressing the function, Matia Chowdhury said the Ministry of Agriculture has taken steps to ensure proper management of surface water, including rainwater conservation. "Our demand is not only for arsenic free water but also to ensure safe drinking water."
The Agriculture Minister, however, contested the findings of arsenic in the food chains saying that tampering has been done everywhere suggesting arsenic in rice and vegetables. "The reality should be understood and we've to think considering our own reality," she said.
Mentioning arsenic contamination in groundwater found in early 90s, Health Minister Dr Ruhal Haque said the government is addressing the issues of arsenic problems under health and nutritional programmes.
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