CU Biologist urges Less Arsenic in Apple Juice

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is moving toward decreasing the amount of arsenic allowed in apple juice. A known carcinogen, arsenic occurs naturally and is absorbed in the developing fruit of the apple tree. The FDA wants to lower the amount of arsenic allowed in apple juice to 10 parts per billion, which is the standard level the EPA has set for drinking water. Clemson University Biological Sciences Professor Lisa Bain says usually standards are set based on adults, but in the case of apple juice she would like to see the proposed FDA standard for arsenic allowed should be lowered because of its consumption by children.  Research conducted by Bain shows that arsenic can alter genes in embryonic fish, damaging muscle development. While she does not conduct human research, she says her results add to the evidence that arsenic is dangerous. It has been linked to cancer and developmental defects, heart disease and diabetes.