Cancer and the consumption of home-produced alcoholic drinks in Zambia: a possible correlation

Evidence has been obtained which suggests that a significant corrlation exists between the drinking of home-produced grain-based alcoholic beverages and the level of incidence of cancer of the oesophagus in parts of Zambia. A similar correlation has been reported from other parts of the continent of Africa. Large numbers of samples of Zambian beers and spirits were screened to discovered what might be the causative agent of the disease. Two major contaminants were found: (i) high levels of zinc, iron and sometimes of copper; (ii) nitrosamine-like compounds. The former results from the use of old metal drums during production of the drinks, but their carcinogenic effects are doubtful. The latter are highly potent carcinogens whose presence has been shown in a wide range of foodstuffs in recent years. At this stage it is impossible because of analytical problems to assert with absolute certainty which of the nitro-so compounds are present. The investigation is continuing and it is hoped that a reliable and relatively easy analytical procedure will soon be available.