News Release

Is throwing rice at weddings bad for birds? (video)

Reports and Proceedings

American Chemical Society

Is Throwing Rice at Weddings Bad for Birds?

image: Many people believe that throwing rice at weddings is harmful to wild birds. Supposedly, the rice expands in the birds' digestive systems and injures them. This myth has become widespread after appearing in places as varied as an "Ann Landers" column and an episode of "The Simpsons." In this video, Reactions uses some hands-on chemistry to demonstrate that rice is no more harmful than other grains and that this misconception is for the birds: https://youtu.be/fEC1HgYGEzk. view more 

Credit: The American Chemical Society

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2018 -- Many people believe that throwing rice at weddings is harmful to wild birds. Supposedly, the rice expands in the birds' digestive systems and injures them. This myth has become widespread after appearing in places as varied as an "Ann Landers" column and an episode of "The Simpsons." In this video, Reactions uses some hands-on chemistry to demonstrate that rice is no more harmful than other grains and that this misconception is for the birds: https://youtu.be/fEC1HgYGEzk.

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