The Claim
Boiling rice in water or soaking it in hot water results in arsenic concentrations in the rice water exceeding the World Health Organization’s drinking water limit of 10 ng/mL, with measured levels of 15–19 ng/g in rice water derived from white and jasmine rice, which constitutes a health risk when consumed regularly.
What the research says
Roughly balanced
Support and challenge are close. The picture may shift as more studies come in.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Boiling or soaking white and jasmine rice in water releases arsenic into the water at concentrations higher than the World Health Organization’s safety limit for drinking water, and consuming this water regularly exposes people to unsafe levels of arsenic.
See the scientific wording
Boiling rice in water or soaking it in hot water results in arsenic concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization’s drinking water limit of 10 ng/mL (10 ppb), with levels reaching 15–19 ng/g in rice water derived from white and jasmine rice, posing a potential health risk if consumed regularly.
When rice is boiled or soaked in hot water, arsenic stored inside the rice grains dissolves into the water, making the water contain more arsenic than safe drinking limits.
What the research says
1 studyWhen you boil or soak rice in hot water, it releases arsenic into the water—more than if you soak it in cold water. This rice water can have more arsenic than what’s considered safe to drink, so it’s not safe to consume.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.