Re: Levels of arsenic in Seaweed

One factor has been overlooked in this reversion to seaweed use. Seaweed naturally contains high levels of arsenic, typically between 20 and 100 mg kg-1 dry weight (dw). Thus, sustained use of seaweed may lead to the buildup of arsenic in soils. The dominant species of arsenic in these seaweeds are in the form of arsenoribofuranosides (arsenosugars). These are assumed to be relatively nontoxic to humans and animals as compared to inorganic species

Consequently, health risks associated with these compounds in St. Lawrence algae were very low. Iodine concentration, on the other hand, could be of concern with regard to human health. Regular consumption of algae, especially of Laminaria sp., could result in levels of Iodine sufficient to cause thyroid problems. For regular consumers, it would be preferable to choose species with low Iodine concentrations, such as U. lactuca and P. palmata, in order to prevent potential problems. Furthermore, it would also be important to assess whether preparation for consumption or cooking affects the iodine content of algae.

how much kelp would you have to eat to overdose on iodine,besides it has a buffer,bromide remember,and they also state the arsenic in kelp is non toxic to humans,all of japan should be dead right now from arsenic poisoning if it were deadly!