Are Mycotoxins Stunting Children’s Growth? EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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Are Mycotoxins Stunting Children's Growth? Source: EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Nov. 16, 2010

http://www.environmental-expert.com/resultEachPressRelease.aspx?cid=6157 & codi=20\

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EMSL Analytical offers complete microbial testing services, including for

mycotoxins, to protect people from unnecessary exposures.

Cinnaminson, NJ, November 15th, 2010

According to an article published last week at EIN's World News Report a team of

international scientists believes they may have found a major cause for

underweight children in the developing world. Fumonisin, a mycotoxin (a toxic

metabolite produced by some types of fungi) is believed to be the culprit.

According to the article entitled Scientists Find Cause for Stunted Growth in

Children: A Fungus, " In the latest issue of Molecular Nutrition and Food

Research, scientists of the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp and

associates at Gent University and the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority observed

that children about one year old who received nutrition through corn-flour-based

food were exposed to fumonisin at higher levels than suggested maximum tolerable

amounts. "

The dangerous toxin, fumonisin, is produced by the fungal species Fusarium. In

addition to producing fumonisin, some species of the fungus also produce the

dangerous mycotoxin known as trichothecenes. Mycotoxins have been known to

materialize in various food and animal feed as a result of fungal contamination;

typically of stored grains. These toxins have also been found inside homes and

in building materials (wallboard, sheetrock), including in the air when certain

types of fungi are present due to water damage.

At EMSL Analytical, mycotoxins are detected using advanced LC-MS technologies,

ELISA methods or VICAM's proprietary antibody columns specific to one mycotoxin.

The method utilized is based upon the clients' needs and their request.

" Today over 100 countries regulate mycotoxins in the feed industry and a great

deal of interest has been shown in scientific studies regarding exposure to

mycotoxins in indoor environments, " reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President

at EMSL. " Mycotoxicoses, poisoning associated with exposure to mycotoxins, has

been best studied to date primarily regarding cases of ingestion by contaminated

food sources. It is known to severely sicken or kill both humans and animals. "

To learn more about testing for mycotoxins in food or environmental samples

please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@....

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of

environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and

the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from

leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.