Excretion of aflatoxin in dockers with occupational exposure

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Dockers who unload aflatoxin contaminated products in Esbjerg harbour (Denmark) are potentially exposed to aflatoxins in the inspired dust. In order to assess the extent of exposure for aflatoxin B1 in these dockers, samples of urine were collected before and after unloading. These samples were analysed by radioimmune analysis by means of a monoclonal antibody to aflatoxin B1. Two groups of dock workers participated in the present investigation. One group unloaded a contaminated cargo while the other unloaded a corresponding cargo which was not contaminated. The dock workers had not been employed unloading contaminated cargoes for more than two months prior to the investigation. Excretion of antigenic material occurred in both groups. This corresponded to 0.2-2.3 ng aflatoxin B1 per mg creatinine. The excretion was, on the whole, not occupationally determined but it was impossible to exclude additional occupational exposure. A group of laboratory assistants who were not occupationally exposed excreted corresponding quantities of the antigen. The literature which describes excretion of aflatoxins in man is discussed on the basis of the results of this investigation.

Original languageEnglish
JournalUgeskrift for læger
Volume147
Issue number50
Pages (from-to)4148-4150
Number of pages3
ISSN0041-5782
Publication statusPublished - 1985
Externally publishedYes

ID: 254782608