German beer can be dangerous to health
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Researchers from Germany found that beer - the drink that is considered the most popular in southern Germany - contains such a poisonous substance as arsenic. Despite the fact that the amount of arsenic in beer is not much higher than normal and can not cause harm to human health, manufacturers are warned about the need to change the technology of preparation of the drink.
An interesting study was conducted by employees of the Munich University of Technology. During the analysis of the composition of some types of light beer, scientists found that the composition of the arsenic drink, which is considered a poison, is contained in 2.4-2.6 times more than is stipulated by the norms of public health. After a more thorough investigation of the composition of beer, specialists reported on the source of the appearance of a poisonous substance in a favorite drink of Bavarian residents.
After the scientists found out where the harmful substance was taken in beer, in New Orleans, at the meeting of the American Society of Chemists, a representative of the University of Munich made a presentation on this topic. For the study, German specialists selected more than 140 varieties of local beer. For several months, scientists have analyzed the composition of the drink in order to determine the presence of various substances harmful to the human body: metal particles, toxins, toxic substances and pesticides. In addition to polluting substances in the composition of light beer, arsenic was found in the amount of 24 micrograms / liter. According to public health standards, the maximum dose of arsenic in one liter of liquid product should be no more than 9-10 micrograms.
The leaders of the study explained that a large amount of time had gone into determining the source of the toxic substance. Experts carefully checked all the components of beer for arsenic content. Hops, malt, water and other components of the beverage were tested separately. Also, experts checked the equipment that is used during brewing. As a result of the analysis of all the data obtained, the scientists found out that arsenic is not contained in the components in its pure form, but is formed because of diatomite or diatomaceous earth, which is used in modern breweries for filtering beverages. Kieselguhr, also called mountain land, consists of the remains of diatomaceous algae and is a sedimentary rock. Used in the textile industry, in the production of medicines and antibiotics, in the production of bleaching earths and building materials. Brewers use diatomaceous earth for the process of separation of malt and hops from yeast, resulting in the beer looks clean and transparent.
Analysis of the materials showed that some of them, during the preparation of beer, "release" the poisonous arsenic. Arsenic in beer is not dangerous to human health, its amount is so small that it can not cause poisoning or disease of internal organs. Experts say that alcohol poisoning is more dangerous for a modern beer lover than arsenic poisoning. Despite safety, experts warned manufacturers that the use of diatomaceous earth can cause an increased content of arsenic in the final product.
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