AFLATOXIN G1

Chemical Properties

The aflatoxins are a group of molds produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus. They are natural contaminants of fruits, vegetables, and grains. They are also described as a series of condensed ring heterocyclic compounds. They form colorless to pale yellow crystals. Practically insoluble in water.

Chemical Properties

yellow powder

Uses

Aflatoxin G1 from Aspergillus flavus has been used as a standard for the determination of aflatoxin in various samples.

Uses

Aflatoxin G1 is the major analogue of the green fluorescent family of bisfuranocoumarin mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus and related species. Alfatoxins are one of the most potent mycotoxins known but are in fact "pre-toxins", requiring metabolic activation to the toxic principle. Aflatoxins are found widely in nature in trace amounts, particularly in grains and nuts. The toxicity of these metabolites was first recognised in the 1950s and their structures elucidated in 1963. Aflatoxins have been extensively reviewed.

Uses

Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 as secondary metabolites of fungal species such as Aspergillus flavus or Aspergillus parasiticus growing on a variety of foods (peanuts, nuts, spices, cereals). Aflatoxins a re a group of very carcinogenic mycotoxins with hepatotoxic effects.

Definition

ChEBI: Aflatoxin G is a member of coumarins.

General Description

Certan Vial

Biochem/physiol Actions

Hepatocarcinogen. Food contaminant produced by Aspergillus flavus, a common soil fungus.

Safety Profile

Confirmed human carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic and neoplastigenic data. Poison by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. Mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also various aflatoxins

Potential Exposure

Aflatoxins are a group of toxic metabolites produced by certain types of fungi. Aflatoxins are not commercially manufactured; they are naturally occurring contaminants that are formed by fungi on food during conditions of high temperatures and high humidity. Most human exposure to aflatoxins occurs through ingestion of contaminated food. The estimated amount of aflatoxins that Americans consume daily is estimated to be 0.15 0.50 μg. Grains, peanuts, tree nuts, and cottonseed meal are among the more common foods on which these fungi grow. Meat, eggs, milk, and other edible products from animals that consume aflatoxincontaminated feed may also contain aflatoxins. Aflatoxins can also be breathed in

Shipping

UN3172 Toxins, extracted from living sources, solid or liquid, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required. UN2811 Toxic solids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required.

Incompatibilities

Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides.

Waste Disposal

Consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant (≥100 kg/mo) must conform with EPA regulations governing storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal. Use of oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or 5% sodium hypochlorite bleach. Acids and bases may also be used.