Ochratoxin A Analysen im Blut von Arbeitnehmern in der Abfallwirtschaft

Abstract

Tasks such as manual sorting of domestic wastes for recyclable goods and the deposition of various materials may result in inhalation of mycotoxin-containing aerosols. Ochratoxin A (OTA) was analyzed in blood samples from workers employed at waste handling facilities in Southern Germany to assess the potential impact of this mycotoxin, and explore its use as a biomarker of exposure to bioaerosols. Results from this analysis are reported: OTA serum levels (median values) in subgroups of workers involved in waste deposition (n=76 'Deponierer') or in waste sorting (n=60 'Wertstoffsortierer') were 0.36 and 0.53 ng/ml, respectively. Both groups are natives of countries within the European Community (EU). In waste sorters who were born in other European (non-EU) countries (n=72) or elsewhere (n=12 from Asia, Africa), the OTA serum levels were 0.50 and 0.37 ng/ml, respectively. In controls (n=84 office clerks at the facilities; EU citizens) the median OTA value was 0.39 ng/ml. Comparing the different groups, and previously published data on median OTA levels in the general population (0.21 ng/ml) which result from dietary (background) exposure to OTA in Germany, our data point to an additional uptake of this mycotoxin by inhalation in workers with exposure to bioaerosols. The results support the view that apart from the pathogenic and allergological relevance of microbial emissions from garbage, secondary fungal metabolites, and thus toxicological aspects, deserve further attention.

Fungal burden in waste industry: an occupational risk to be solved

“…Consequently, we must potentially consider coexposure to fungi and mycotoxins (Thrane et al 2004), such as aflatoxins from A. flavus complex (Okoth et al 2012), and ochratoxin from A. niger complex (Magnolia et al 2007). In 2003, a study published by Degen and colleagues presented data showing that workers from waste industry had higher exposure to ochratoxin A than the general population (Degen et al 2003). Importantly, in these scenarios it is likely that there is co-exposure to several mycotoxins raising the question of possible interactions and synergistic effects that ultimately might lead to different and more severe health effects (Speijers and Speijers 2004;Klarić 2012).…”

A review and framework for understanding the potential impact of poor solid waste management on health in developing countries

“…Similarly, get involved in waste picking and are likely to get disproportionately affected by injuries, respiratory complications and infections. Solid waste recycling has also been associated with health risk including physical injury, infections, and inhalation of particulate matter including bioaerosols [29, 53]. …”

Simultaneous analysis of ochratoxin A and its major metabolite ochratoxin alpha in plasma and urine for an advanced biomonitoring of the mycotoxin

“…OTA levels in blood (plasma or serum) are suitable biomarkers of exposure in the general population and in occupational settings [11,[14][15][16]. But, it is worth noting that blood samples are collected by an invasive procedure that involves medical personnel.…”