Occupational exposure to aflatoxin B1: the case of poultry and swine production

Abstract

Although there is an abundance of literature concerning the ingestion of food contaminated with aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ), only a small number of studies explore mycotoxin exposure in occupational settings. Taking this into consideration, our study was developed with the intention of elucidating whether there is occupational exposure to AFB 1 in Portuguese poultry and swine production facilities. A specific biomarker was used to assess exposure to AFB 1 . A total of 45 workers (34 from poultry farms; 11 from swine production facilities) participated in this study, providing blood samples. Additionally, a control group (n=30) composed of subjects without any type of contact with agricultural activity was considered. All participants signed a consent form and were provided with the study protocol. Eighteen poultry workers (58.6%) and six workers from the swine production facilities (54.5%) showed detectable levels of AFB 1 . In the control group, the AFB 1 values were all below 1 ng/ml. No significant differences in AFB 1 levels in serum between workers from poultry and swine farms were found. Poultry workers, however, showed the highest serum levels and a significant statistical difference between this group and the control group was found. Results suggest that exposure to AFB 1 by inhalation occurs in both occupational settings representing an additional risk that needs to be recognised, assessed and prevented.