Determination of exposure to aflatoxins among Danish workers in animal-feed production through the analysis of aflatoxin B1 adducts to serum albumin

Scand J Work Environ Health. 1991 Dec;17(6):436-40. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.1683.

Abstract

Aflatoxin B1 is suspected as an etiologic factor in the increased risk for primary liver cancer among workers in animal-feed processing plants in Denmark. Aflatoxin bound to serum albumin was therefore measured for feed-processing workers. Blood samples were collected immediately after vacation and after four weeks of work, and aflatoxin was quantified by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Seven of 45 individuals with an estimated exposure of 64 ng aflatoxin B1.d-1.kg-1 body weight were positive. Three positive workers had been unloading a cargo with an aflatoxin B1 level of 26 micrograms.kg-1 raw material. The exposure level correlated well with the job titles. Dust samples collected at different sites showed considerable variation in the amount of aflatoxin B1 (nondetectable to 8 micrograms.kg-1 dust). The exposure to aflatoxin B1 may only partially explain the increased risk of liver cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aflatoxin B1 / adverse effects
  • Aflatoxin B1 / pharmacokinetics*
  • Animal Feed* / analysis
  • DNA Damage
  • Dust* / adverse effects
  • Dust* / analysis
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Protein Binding

Substances

  • Dust
  • Aflatoxin B1