When buying organic foods from the grocery store, most people think that they are takings steps to a healthier life.  But before they congratulate themselves on their healthy choice, they should check the label for arsenic.

A new study done by Dartmouth University and published online in Environmental Health Perspectives revealed that high levels of arsenic, one of the most toxic elements, have been found in foods with organic brown rice syrup as a primary ingredient.

There are two types of arsenic: organic and inorganic. Inorganic arsenic is the harmful form, and it can occur naturally on the earth in small amounts.  Humans can be exposed to it through food, water, and air.

Exposure to inorganic arsenic can have various health effects, including irritation of the stomach and intestines, decreased red and white blood cell production, skin changes, and lung irritation. It can also increase chances of developing cancer, especially skin, lung, liver, and lymphatic cancer, according to Lenntech, a water treatment and air purification system company.

Organic brown rice syrup is used as a substitute for high fructose corn syrup in prepared organic foods. Rice on its own contains higher concentrations of arsenic than other foods and is a culprit of some of the arsenic found in humans. According to Medical News Today, the processing that produces syrups and other packaged foods out of brown rice can make arsenic more concentrated.

Organic foods tested in Dartmouth’s experiment included 17 infant formulas, 29 cereal bars, and three energy shot drinks. According to the study, one of the infant formulas had an amount of arsenic six times the safe drinking limit for water, which is 10 parts per billion, as established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Today Health also stated that two infant formulas contained 20 times the amount of arsenic compared to formulas without organic brown rice syrup.

While students may not be buying and drinking infant formula, one cereal bar was found to contain 12 times the legal limit of arsenic, and high energy foods had from eight to 17 times the legal limit.

The high levels of arsenic are more threatening to infants because of their size, but very high exposure to arsenic can lead to serious health consequences for teenagers and adults as well.

While there have been standards set for safe levels of arsenic in water, there are currently no U.S. regulations regarding arsenic in foods. People must take it upon themselves to check the organic food labels for arsenic-containing culprits, such as the organic brown rice syrup.

Stephanie Meadowcroft is a Lifestyles Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.