Toxic metals in soil threaten the health of 1.4 billion people worldwide !

An estimated 14–17% of the world’s arable land is contaminated with dangerous levels of heavy metals.

Washington, US – According to a recent study published in the journal Science, an alarming 1.4 billion people across the globe are living on land contaminated with toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, and lead. The study, led by Deyi Ho, analysed around 8,00,000 soil samples worldwide and revealed that 14–17% of the world’s cultivable land—about 242 million hectares—is polluted beyond safe limits.

Key findings from the report:

1. Severe health risks: Toxic metals in soil threaten food security and public health. They reduce crop yields and enter the food chain, potentially causing kidney damage, cancer, and developmental issues in the nervous system.

2. Cadmium hotspots: Cadmium, identified as the most prevalent and harmful metal, is especially concentrated in regions of South and East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

3. Future risks loom: Soil pollution is projected to worsen due to the growing demand for metals essential to modern technology.

4. Call to action: Considering these findings, researchers have urged the implementation of stricter regulations, the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, and increased public awareness around environmental conservation.