Name: Aflatoxin M1
Chemical Formula: C17H12O7
Class: Mycotoxin
Source: Usually found in milk and dairy products after animals consume contaminated feed.
Appearance: Solid substance, often a pale powder in pure form.
CAS Number: 6795-23-9
Primary Hazard: Carcinogenic risk stands out most
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact all pose threats
Acute Effects: Can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure sets the stage for liver damage, higher cancer risk, and possibly immunosuppression
Warning Symbols: Toxic, health hazard, environmental hazard
Chemical Identity: Aflatoxin M1 (pure compound, not a mixture)
Impurities: Possible traces of other aflatoxins in unrefined samples
Form: Usually as a crystalline powder or diluted in laboratory solvents for testing
If Inhaled: Move to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms persist
If Swallowed: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth; seek urgent medical help
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash the affected skin with copious water and mild soap
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with plenty of water, lifting upper and lower eyelids; seek help if irritation continues
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical powder, foam, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Burning releases toxic fumes like carbon oxides
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Spill Response: Evacuate area, use gloves and respiratory protection before cleanup
Containment: Prevent spillage from entering drains, soil, or water systems
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with non-combustible absorbent (sand, soil), shovel into labeled waste containers; ventilate area fully afterward
Personal Safety: Wear disposable overgarments, minimize dust generation
Safe Handling Practices: Avoid inhaling dust, vapors or mist; keep away from food and drinks
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Storage Requirements: Store in a tightly sealed container, away from incompatible substances (oxidizers, acids)
Temperature Range: Cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight is best
Engineering Controls: Work inside chemical fume hoods for lab use
Respiratory Protection: Certified respirators for fine particulate or organic vapor exposure
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves and disposable lab coats
Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or splash goggles
Work Hygiene: No eating, drinking or smoking in work areas
Form: Crystalline powder
Color: Pale yellow or white
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents (chloroform, methanol)
Odor: Odorless at usual concentrations
Melting Point: Between 299°C and 301°C
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature, sensitive to strong light and oxidizing agents
Incompatibility: Strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Toxic fumes (carbon oxides) if burned
Hazardous Reactions: None reported under normal safe handling
Acute Toxicity: Extremely toxic at low doses; animal studies show even microgram exposures may lead to adverse effects
Chronic Effects: Recognized as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer
Target Organs: Liver primarily, but evidence also points to immune suppression
Symptoms: Fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, elevated cancer risk with repeated exposure
Persistence: Does not degrade quickly in the environment
Mobility: Leaches into water and soil
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to fish and aquatic life at very low concentrations
Bioaccumulation: Risk for biomagnification up the food chain
Mitigation: Focus on source control, strict feed monitoring, and safe disposal practices
Preferred Options: Incineration at high temperature using licensed facilities
Avoid: Do not landfill with general waste, no untreated disposal into water systems or sewage
Packaging Waste: Decontaminate or dispose along with chemical waste
Regulations: Follow local hazardous waste regulations closely
Classification: Considered a hazardous material for all modes of shipment
Packing Group: Generally falls under toxic substances
Labeling: Clear toxic and environmental hazard symbols required
Special Precautions: Keep container secure and upright, remote from incompatible cargo
Hazard Classifications: Listed as toxic and carcinogenic by multiple regulatory agencies globally
Exposure Limits: Strict regulations on food, animal feed, occupational exposure in most countries
Testing Requirements: Dairy and feed products regularly monitored and tested for presence of aflatoxins
Worker Protection: Laws mandate hazard training and engineering controls for anyone handling this compound