Two institutions which conducted tests on rice samples have ruled out dangerous levels of cancer-causing arsenic in them.
Institute of Fundamental Studies Director C.B. Dissanayake said the arsenic levels in rice samples his institutions tested were well within the permitted limits.
He said the results of the test which the IFS carried out in collaboration with the Peradeniya University’s medical and science faculties and the Kyoto University in Japan, would be published in the coming issue of Environmental Geo Chemistry and Health Magazine.
Prof. Dissanayake said he would request the Kelaniya University also to carry out tests on the same samples as an additional measure to corroborate the test results.
Rice Research Institute Director Nimal Disanayake said the RRI carried out tests on samples obtained from the North Central Province and found nothing adverse.
He said more tests would be carried out on samples obtained from Mannar, Trincomalee and Ratnapura.
He said the RRI would discuss the test results with Kelaniya University scientists.
Meanwhile, the Atomic Energy Authority Chairman R.L. Wijewardena said his organisation was also testing some samples and the results would be known in the coming days.
Arsenic and its compounds are used in the production of pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides and some people suspect the increasing number of kidney ailment cases in the North Central Province is largely due to arsenic content in pesticides. |
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