Investigating levels of aflatoxin B1 exposure through the settled dust in the working environment in workers of the dry and wet household waste sorting of the recycling industry

Background & Aim: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) acts as a genotoxic, cytotoxic, and a potential hepatocarcinogen agent. Any contact with aflatoxins is a main threat to workers in the waste management industry. On the other hand, just a few studies have investigated occupational exposure to mycotoxins in the aforementioned industry. In this study, the exposure level of workers to dust and AFB1 has been investigated in dry and wet waste sorting and recycling management centers of Karaj city.  Methods: 18 surface samples from bread separation, 18 surface samples of plastic separation, and 18 samples for control locations from the dry waste recycling centers, and 20 surface dust samples from the work environment of the wet sorting department of the center in the spring and fall seasons, and also 20 control samples were collected. After extraction and purification processes, the amount of AFB1 in the surface samples was measured by HPLC. Results: The amount of dust and AFB1 levels of the surface samples collected from dry bread and plastic sorting places as well as wet waste sorting sites were higher in comparison with the control places in the spring and fall seasons.  Conclusion: Based on the results, the workers in this industry are exposed to AFB1 and the risks associated with its exposure.