Biomonitoring data as a tool for assessing mycotoxins exposure of workers

Aflatoxins are toxic compounds naturally occurring in crops mainly produced by molds of the genus Aspergillus. They represent the most concerning class of agricultural contaminants with a focus on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) since it can act as etiological agent for hepatocarcinogenesis and immunosuppression. The corresponding working protocols were focused on the quantification of AFB1 and its main metabolites in urine and serum samples of workers potentially exposed during their occupational hours in different industrial settings, namely corn-based feed production company. Biological samples of 61 workers (32 exposed and 29 control group) were collected over a week (Monday and Friday). In urine, only aflatoxin M1 (13% in exposed and 11% in control) was found; in serum, 6.1% of samples revealed AFB1 presence (9,7% in exposed and 1.9% in control). However, neither difference between the average levels of exposed and control groups nor difference between levels of Friday and Monday deliveries were found. Ochratoxin A (OTA) was also tested and found in all serum samples with 33% of the samples having a concentration higher than the limit of quantification (LOQ) and the remaining between the limit of detection (LOD) and LOQ. Moreover, for OTA, a good correlation was found between Friday and Monday OTA levels.