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

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.

Reactions is a video series produced by the American Chemical Society and PBS Digital Studios. Subscribe to Reactions at http://bit.ly/ACSReactions and follow us on Twitter @ACSReactions.

The American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, is a not-for-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.