You Won’t Believe These Everyday Items That Secretly Contain Arsenic

Sharing might be caring—unless you’re accidentally passing around a side of arsenic with your favorite snacks . Ever wonder just how “silent” that silent killer in murder mysteries really is? Turns out, it’s not just the stuff of vintage whodunits; arsenic is quietly making cameo appearances in places you’d least expect—like your rice bowl, that soothing cup of apple juice, or even your beauty routine . Suddenly, my kitchen feels more like a crime scene than a sanctuary .

It’s both chilling and almost comically absurd how something so toxic manages to sneak into everything from our food to makeup to tampons (yes, really!) without any of us handing out an invite . The numbers are jaw-dropping—according to the World Health Organization, nearly 140 million people are sipping on water laced with unsafe arsenic levels right now . Who knew hydration could be so…treacherous?

So before you panic and toss out everything in your pantry (or your purse), let’s play detective together and uncover the 14 most surprising everyday items that are hiding this notorious element . You won’t believe which ones make the list—or how close they are to your daily routine! Buckle up, because your definition of “hazardous household items” is about to get a wild update .

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Arsenic has an infamous history of causing slow and mysterious deaths. Although it occurs naturally, its infiltration into our lives is quite harmful. From food to cosmetics, arsenic is quietly present in ways we might never suspect.

According to the World Health Organization, long-term exposure to arsenic can cause severe health effects, including cancer and skin disorders. Shockingly, nearly 140 million people worldwide are exposed to unsafe arsenic levels in drinking water alone.

The dangers extend beyond water; tests by the FDA have found traces of arsenic in foods like rice products, etc. So, where else is this “silent intruder” hiding? Read below to find out 14 surprising items that have arsenic.

1. Rice and rice products

Spinach Rice on a Plate over Bright Background, Green Rice, Healthy Vegetarian Food

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Rice and rice products are known to have the highest arsenic content due to the crop’s ability to absorb it from water and soil. According to research, rice plants absorb about ten times more than other grains, due to being grown in flooded conditions where arsenic in the soil dissolves easily.

2. Apple juice

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Surprisingly, apple juice also contains trace levels of arsenic, primarily due to contaminated water or pesticide residues in the apple orchards. Although no alarming incident has taken place as of now, it is still concerning for children, who frequently have apple juice and are more vulnerable to the toxic effects.

3. Seafood

Seafood platter on a black wooden table. Top view

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Seafood, especially shellfish, may contain arsenic in its organic form, which is less toxic than inorganic one. Some kinds of seaweed also contain inorganic arsenic which has harmful effects. Marine organisms absorb arsenic from the water whose quality is way worse. While organic arsenic is safe, regular consumption of seafood from polluted waters can still pose health risks.

4. Groundwater

Drinking water, glass and woman thinking of healthcare, wellness and self care at home. Fresh, clean liquid and african person in window of her house with vision for health, diet and nutrition.

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One of the most significant sources of arsenic exposure worldwide is groundwater, and most of the people around the globe unknowingly consume contaminated water daily. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 140 million people in over 70 countries are exposed to groundwater that has arsenic levels above the safe level, i.e 10 parts per billion.

5. Beer and wine

Friends hands with glasses of wine and snacks, close up

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Beer and wine can contain arsenic, and again, the culprit is contaminated water that is used in production or from other sources like filtration materials, which can add the toxin into beer or wine. Some wines, especially cheaper ones, may have arsenic levels higher than the EPA’s safe limit.

6. Mushroom

Hand holding a small pine bolete in front of a basket of edible mushrooms in the forest

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Those mushrooms that grow in arsenic-rich soil or near industrial areas, can absorb and accumulate arsenic. Some wild varieties of mushrooms contain higher levels of arsenic due to their ability to extract minerals from the surroundings. But nothing to worry about as the store-bought mushrooms are generally considered safe, but if you source them from contaminated areas, they might have a health risk if eaten frequently.

7. Poultry

Group of chickens on a farm yard chicken eco farm, free range chickens and care of poultry, raising chickens on a poultry farm

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Poultry, especially conventionally raised chicken, as their feeds are arsenic-based drugs that contain higher levels of arsenic. These additives, used to promote growth and prevent disease, left traces of inorganic arsenic in meat and liver. Although many countries, including the U.S., have banned or phased out these practices, residual contamination in older farming areas can still affect poultry products, posing potential health risks to consumers.

8. Cigarette Smoke

Hanoi, Vietnam - May, 23, 2025: A no smoking sign prominently displayed outside a building. The sign features a clear icon indicating smoking is prohibited.

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If you’re around someone who is smoking a cigarette, chances are that you may be exposed to arsenic too. It is a significant source of arsenic exposure, as tobacco plants can absorb arsenic from contaminated soil and water. When smoked, the toxin is released into the air and inhaled, contributing to the toxic mix of chemicals entering the body.