Review section
A prospective analysis of the potential risk associated with inhalation of aflatoxin-contaminated grain dusts

https://doi.org/10.1016/0015-6264(81)90535-6Get rights and content

Abstract

In the USA aflatoxin contamination of certain agricultural crops such as peanuts, corn and cottonseed continues to pose a problem, especially in the south-eastern states where climatic conditions are conducive to fungal growth. Analysis of airborne dust samples generated from contaminated corn in an agricultural setting has revealed the presence of respirable particles containing aflatoxins. Since aflatoxins are among the most potent of carcinogens, exposure by any route poses a potential hazard. Unfortunately, an adequate assessment of the health hazard resulting from inhalation exposure to aflatoxin-contaminated grain dust is currently impossible, due to the almost total lack of data regarding this route of exposure. However, a prospective analysis of the potential risk has been performed using information concerning (1) the absorption and carcinogenic effects of another potent carcinogen, benzo[a]pyrene, when adsorbed onto respirable particles, (2) the metabolic capability of cultured human bronchus towards aflatoxins, (3) the irritant nature of respired organic dusts and (4) potential modifying factors known to influence carcinogenic outcome. Suggestions are made regarding the types of information that are still needed in order to adequately assess the risk associated with inhalation of aflatoxin-contaminated grain dust.

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