MYCOTOXICS AS HEALTH HAZARDS IN WORK ENVIRONMENT
Journal Title: Българско списание за обществено здраве (Bulgarian Journal of Public Health) - Year 2017, Vol 0, Issue 3
Abstract
Contrary to fungi, exposure to mycotoxins is not usually identified as a risk factor present in occupational settings. This is probably due to the inexistence of limits regarding concentration of airborne mycotoxins, and also due to the fact that these compounds are rarely monitored in occupational environments. Mycotoxins are natural secondary metabolites produced by mould fungi (fungi imperfecti). They are agents of diverse chemical structures which are toxic to humans and animals. Over 300 different mycotoxins are known to date and they have been classified into approximately 25 structural types. Mycotoxins can show carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic, teratogenic or immunotoxic effects. The extent of the health impact caused by mycotoxin exposure depends on the following factors: (1) mycotoxin chemical properties, such as their ability to penetrate the cell membranes; (2) the intake route, level, duration and frequency of exposure; and (3) the body´s sensitivity. Ingestion of mycotoxin contaminated food products is deemed to constitute the main source of exposure in the general population. Mycotoxin exposure in the workplace may occur through inhalation and skin contact, e.g. during occupational handling of organic matter such as livestock feed, food products, or waste. Various studies suggest that both acute and chronic effects can occur, depending on the exposure level. In the case of inhalation exposure, it is also important to consider the size of the airborne particles, as sufficiently small particulate matter may reach the pulmonary alveoli. A small number of studies explore mycotoxin exposure in occupational settings. In most conditions, exposure to mycotoxins by inhalation is lower than that related to oral intake. However, it is important to consider that workers can be occasionally exposed to high airborne levels of mycotoxins during certain operations; inhalation of certain mycotoxins may be more harmful than oral exposure; and there may be combined exposure to multiple mycotoxins, which could enhance the effects.
Authors and Affiliations
Terry Vrabcheva
Keywords
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