Arsenic
Occurrence
Arsenic has mainly been used in certain types of alloys, in particular electronic components, wood preservatives and the preservation of stuffed animals. In some countries, it has also been found in pesticides. Arsenic can be found in trace amounts in many foods, such as cereals, fruit and fish. Slightly higher concentrations are found in seafood.
Health
Arsenic has been classified as a carcinogen by WHO. Arsenic can after many years of exposure give rise to tumours of the skin, lung, bladder, and probably also in the liver and kidneys.
Swedish snus and foodstuffs
100 g of rice contains 9 micrograms of arsenic, which corresponds to the content of 7.5 (x) 24 g cans of Swedish snus.
Limit values
There are EU-wide limits for inorganic arsenic in rice and certain rice products. Arsenic has had a GOTHIATEK limit since the standard was introduced.
