Supporting data for "Siliceous Spicules in Food and Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Northern China"

The Taihang Mountain area in northern China is among the regions with the highest incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) worldwide, yet its exact causes remain unclear. Our previous research identified siliceous spicules in human esophageal tissues, resembling those found on wheat husks, leading to the hypothesis that wheat-derived siliceous spicules are linked to the high ESCC risk in northern China. This study further investigates the presence of these spicules in flour from high- and low-risk regions and reveals that they primarily detach from the palea and lemma of wheat husks near the grain. Under water-scarce conditions, unrigorous wheat grain washing practices increase the likelihood of siliceous spicules contamination in flour. Animal studies demonstrated that exposure to siliceous spicules-containing diet promotes tumorigenesis. The novel ESCC-related risk factor identified here, provides insights for the prevention and control of ESCC in localized regions.