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The significance of mycotoxins in the framework of assessing workplace related risks

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Abstract

Mycotoxins are fungal metabolite which may in some cases exhibit a high health hazard potential. Mycotoxins can show carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic, teratogenic or immunotoxic effects. 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 at least on the exposure level. The magnitude of the potential health risks associated with a respiratory or dermal intake of mycotoxins has largely remained unclear to date. However, according to the directive 2000/54/EC on biological agents and the corresponding German Biological Agents Ordinance, employers are also required to consider the potential hazards posed by toxic effects of biological agents when assessing workplace risks. The aim of this article, therefore, is to present some basis information that should facilitate an evaluation of the significance of mycotoxins in the context of assessing workplace risks. It also provides suggestions for occupational health and safety measures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital, Sigmund-Freud-Str, 15, 53105, Bonn, Germany

    S. Engelhart

  2. Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of German Association of Statutory Accident Insurance, BGIA, Alte Heerstr. 111, 53757, Sankt Augustin, Germany

    A. Kolk & H. Blome

  3. Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention in the Trade and Goods Distribution, M5, 7, 68161, Mannheim, Germany

    S. Mayer

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  1. S. Mayer
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  2. S. Engelhart
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Correspondence to S. Mayer.

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The present publication is based on a report of the Advisory Committee on Biological Agents (Ausschuss für Biologische Arbeitstoffe, ABAS), Working Group “Workplace Assessment” of its Sub comittee I. Fundamental and Application Issues. The publication was prepared with co-operation from the Working Group members: Dr. And reas Albrecht, Dr. Gerhard Danneberg, Dr. Suresh Duggal, Dr. Christian Felten, Prof. Dr. Jörg Hartung, Hanne Herrmann, Prof. Dr. Dr. Peter Kämpfer, Dr. Katja Kiel, Dr. Gunter Linsel, Dipl.-Biol. Thomas Rabente, Dr. Frank Riege, Prof. Dr. Klaus P. Schaal, Dr Bernhard Schicht

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Mayer, S., Engelhart, S., Kolk, A. et al. The significance of mycotoxins in the framework of assessing workplace related risks. Mycotox Res 24, 151–164 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03032342

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