Notice to lovers of good wines: a recent study by the University of Washington (United States) has just found traces ofarsenic in some great American vintages. A worrying information, especially since we know today that even a very low dose of this chemical element greatly increases the risk of cancer …
The study, published in the scientific journal Journal of Environmental Health, was mainly interested in red wines. Indeed, these are made from the skin of the grapes, hence their color. However, it is also in this fine organic membrane that chemical pollutants, including arsenic and pesticide residues, are concentrated …
“No health risk”?
Scientists tested 65 different wines, from California, Washington state and New York. Result, of the 65 bottles studied, 64 had arsenic levels higher than American health standards, those which are in particular in force for tap water. The tests concerning the lead, they turned out to be negative (phew!).
“Soil and air pollution have an impact on the quality of our food,” explain the researchers. In addition, the chemical elements that we release – for example via our exhaust gases – mix with rainwater and pollute our vines. White wine, which excludes the seeds and the skin of the grape, is therefore less polluted than red wine. “
But according to the scientists, there is no need to be alarmed: “Unless you are a heavy consumer of red wine – that is to say more than three glasses a day, there is no has no health risk. »We still have some doubts …
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