Human Health risk Assessment of AflatoxinM1 in Cow milks from Selected Local Government Areas of Kano state, Nigeria

This study was carried out as part of environmental assessment in Kano state to determine contamination of cow milks by AflatoxinM1 from three local government areas of Kano state (Bichi, Rano and Nassarawa), and to correlate this concentrations to some risk indices, so as to analyze potential effects on consumers. The results obtained showed moderate contamination by AflatoxinM1 in the three local locations. The concentration of AFLM1 from Bichi local government ranges from 0.117 – 0.291  g/kg, while that of Nassarawa ranges from 0.095 – 0.283  g/kg, and of Rano from 0.259 – 0.287  g/kg. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of AFLM1 and total hazard index (THI) for children within 1- 12years of age were calculated based on the data obtained therein.. The EDI of AFLM1 in the selected study area(s) was also determined and found to be within the range of 3.604 - 6.179 ng/kg.b.w/day in Bichi, 3.451 – 5.915 ng/kg.b.w/day in Nassarawa and 4.697-8.053ng/kg.b.w/day in Rano, all for children of age 1- 12 years. All hazard indices calculated for AFLM1 were below 1. Although the results of this investigation showed low risk of cancer, the variability in cow feeds and climatic conditions might influence contaminations, most especially AFLB1 contamination of feeds and consequently AFLM1 contamination of milk.