The researchers said this at a workshop on heavy metals, food safety and development of children. In the study, researchers examined samples of water and food and also had a blood test in pregnant women, newborns and children of early age. As it turned out, if some of the vegetables and crops contained elevated levels of lead in poultry were identified elevated levels of arsenic.

The experts noted that the authorities need to pay increased attention to the issue of providing the population with drinking water of good quality, especially in the regions located along the river, since groundwater is the cause of the penetration of arsenic into the waters of the rivers.

Scientists also noted that it is equally important to increase the standards of food safety. In their opinion, it is poor quality food or vaccines could be the cause of the high content of arsenic in poultry in some regions of Pakistan.