Recent research indicates that the top 30 centimeters of agricultural soil, essential for plant roots, often contain toxic concentrations of metals. A review of thousands of studies shows that approximately 17% of worldwide farmland is contaminated with dangerous levels of metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead. The study reviewed nearly 800,000 soil samples to assess global metal contamination and highlighted the risks posed to food safety and human health due to these toxic elements, which accumulate primarily in agricultural settings, threatening both the environment and public health.
The first 30 centimeters of soil are crucial for plant life and contain significant levels of toxic metals, affecting global farming and food safety.
A vast review reveals that up to 17% of farmland worldwide shows excessive levels of toxic metals, endangering food grown for human consumption.
The researchers narrowed down from over 82,000 studies to 1,500, assessing the extent of metal contamination through advanced modeling techniques.
Seven metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and lead, present serious health risks, revealing deep flaws in agricultural systems and potential threats to public health.
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