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Authorities are raising concerns about a component found in numerous wellness products, as it might elevate the chances of autism. cancer .
Cassava flour, derived from grated and dried cassava roots, serves as an alternative to wheat and other types of flour in making gluten-free and Paleo-compatible chips, cookies, and various snacks.
Nonetheless, the consumer advocacy group Consumer Reports has discovered that these food items have alarming amounts of the hazardous element lead, which finds its way into the products through cassava.
Health authorities from the organization recently examined 27 popular foods made with cassava and discovered that almost all contained unsafe amounts of lead.
James Rogers, who leads the Food Testing department, stated: "Except for certain spices, we have never encountered such elevated lead levels as those discovered in these cassava items."
Prior research has connected lead exposure to various issues. children to learning disabilities , as well as harm to the kidneys, reproduction system, heart and blood vessels, digestion process, and conditions falling within the autism spectrum.
Adults frequently exposed may experience suppressed immune systems, heightened risk of cancer, reproductive problems, and kidney damage.
Thrive Market has removed and is examining its cassava chips due to recent discoveries.
MadeGood has ceased using the flour in its crackers, and Lesser Evil has started to fully phase it out of its product line.
Nevertheless, brands like Bob's Red Mill and Pamela's have mentioned that their cassava items already come with California 'S Proposing 65 warning tags — informing purchasers about possible lead presence.
Due to the products' widespread sale, the agency has asked consumers to reduce their number of servings of cassava products per week.
Additionally, they found that that seven cassava products currently on the market had such high levels of lead that they advise avoiding those products entirely.
This list includes Bob's Red Mill Cassava Flour, Otto's Naturals Organic Multi-Purpose Cassava Flour, Quay Naturals Premium Cassava Flour, 365 Whole Foods Market Sea Salt Cassava Tostones Cassava Chips, Jovial Organic Grain-Free Cassava Spaghetti, Terrasoul Superfoods Cassava Flour, and Thrive Market’s Cassava Chips with Sea Salt.
Multiple research papers have revealed that cassava can be a major contributor to lead exposure via diet among those consuming it regularly.
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2015 discovered that cassava cultivated in a specific area of Ghana contained sufficiently elevated levels of lead to increase the likelihood of health issues for individuals consuming it frequently.
Furthermore, a study published in the 2013 issue of the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health revealed that individuals residing in the Amazon had blood lead levels almost four times greater than what is considered acceptable in the United States.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has concluded that there is no safe level of lead exposure for either adults or children.
Although lead exposure poses health risks to all individuals, children under six years old face the highest danger from it because their bodies absorb lead more readily, which can result in lead poisoning.
Lead poisoning happens when tiny quantities of this metal accumulate within the system, typically over periods ranging from months to years.
Even though lead-based paint in old structures is primarily responsible for causing poisoning, lead-contaminated food, water, and air can also impact children.
A lot of kids affected by lead poisoning might not show any signs, yet even minor amounts of this metal in their bloodstream can result in issues like difficulties with learning and behavioral challenges, for instance, struggling to focus.
Gradually, these challenges might lead them toward the autism spectrum, as indicated by various research findings.
In addition to this, adult exposure to lead can result in hypertension, renal impairment, heightened probability of developing cancer, decreased fertility, and neurological problems.
A multitude of research indicates that being exposed to lead via paint, dust, or food can elevate the risk of developing lung, kidney, and brain cancers among those affected—especially for workers.
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