Tuesday May 31, 2016 (foodconsumer.org) -- Chronic exposure to chromium and arsenic may increase risk of many cancers in both men and women, according to a new study led by researchers at Carlos III Institute of Health in Madrid, Spain.

For the study, the researchers analyzed chromium and arsenic levels in topsoil samples collected from 13,317 locations throughout 7917 Spanish mainland towns and compared the data with 861,440 cancer deaths reported in these towns.

As a result, a statistical association was found among both men and women between arsenic levels and deaths from stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer,  lung cancer, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.   Among men, arsenic levels were also associated with deaths from prostate cancer, buccal cavity, pharynx cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer and kidney cancer.

Chromium levels were associated with deaths of only women from upper gastrointestinal tract cancer, breast cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. 

The researchers concluded "chronic exposure arising from low levels of arsenic and chromium in topsoil could be a potential risk factor for developing cancer."

In the United States, arsenic can be found high in rice, apple juice as reported earlier.  Certain toxic forms of chromium may be used in dietary supplements.

It has been known that arsenic is a carcinogen that can cause cancers like prostate cancer and chromium in some cases is also toxic.  (David Liu)

Source: Núñez O, Fernández-Navarro P, Martín-Méndez I, Bel-Lan A, Locutura JF, López-Abente G. Arsenic and chromium topsoil levels and cancer mortality in Spain.  Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2016 May 30.