I wanted to know, too, so I spent spentsome time searching on line for some answers. After exploring scores of sources I believe this Wellness Letter from the University of California as the most reliable I reviewed. Some of the points it makes:
We are exposed to trace amounts of arsenic all the time—in our food, water and air. For centuries, arsenic was even used as medicine and in cosmetics, and it may actually play a role in physiological processes in some animals.
Cook rice the way you cook pasta—in a lot of water. Use 6 cups of boiling water for 1 cup of dry rice. When the rice is done, drain off the remaining water. You may lose some nutrients in the cooking water, but you also reduce arsenic residues—by as much as 45 percent, according to a 2009 study in the Journal of Environmental Monitoring. Rinsing rice before cooking helps, too, though it also removes some B vitamins.
Avoid brown rice syrup and foods made with it, many of which are junk food, even if they are organic or come from a health-food store. Also, limit foods with multiple rice ingredients.
The letter also noted that jasmine rice from Thailand was among those varieties found to contain less arsenic than rice grown in some other regions.
The letter isn't too long and you can find it at link below:
http://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-eating/food-safety/article/arsenic-rice-should-you-worry