Study shows between 14% and 17% of agricultural land is contaminated with heavy metals, affecting the health of up to 1.4 billion people

Researchers carried out a meta-analysis of more than 796,000 soil samples, finding that between 14% and 17% of agricultural soils are contaminated with at least one heavy metal, such as arsenic or cadmium. This pollution poses a risk to the health of up to 1.4 billion people, particularly in regions with exceeded metal levels. Contamination can be natural or the result of human activities, and the lack of data from some areas, such as Africa, limits a full assessment of the problem. The study highlights the need for action by policymakers and farmers.