Exposure of rural and urban populations in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, to fumonisin B<inf>1</inf> in maize

Paul K. Chelule, Nceba Gqaleni, Michael F. Dutton, Anil A. Chuturgoon

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36 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We surveyed households in rural and urban areas of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, to assess the exposure of the inhabitants to fumonisn B1 (FB1), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium verticilioides. In southern African regions maize, used as a staple food by the population, is prone to F. verticillioides infection. Furthermore, high levels of FB1 in maize have been associated with esophageal cancer in South Africa. We assessed exposure of the population to FB1 at three levels, namely, by analyzing stored maize, plate-ready food, and feces. The positions of participating households in the rural area were recorded using geographic information systems (GIS) for ease and accuracy of follow-up. Of the 50 rural maize samples examined, 32% had levels of FB1 ranging from 0.1-22.2 mg/kg, whereas 29% of the 28 cooked maize (phutu) samples contained FB1 ranging from 0.1-0.4 mg/kg. The incidence and levels of FB1 in feces were 33% and 0.5-39.0 mg/kg, respectively. Of the 49 urban maize samples analyzed 6.1% had a range of 0.2-0.5 mg/kg FB1, whereas 3 of 44 fecal samples (6%) ranged between 0.6 and 16.2 mg/kg. No FB1 was detected in urban phutu samples. Because these levels are lower than those published from regions in South Africa with high incidence of esophageal cancer, it may be concluded that the risk of esophageal cancer from FB1 exposure is lower in the KwaZulu Natal region.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)253-256
Number of pages4
JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives
Publication statusPublished - 2 May 2001
Externally publishedYes

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