Something that is not discussed very much apparently. I was flipping through my poultry group (where I sometimes unload spent grain) and there is a grain hauler in the group. They say this year has been a problem with Alfatoxins and that they are testing more heavily than before for this contaminate. Heat and Drought promote damage to the plant where Alfatoxins like to thrive. It seems to be concentrated to corn but I would think N. American grains may be affected as well.
I say this because I know some in here are growing their own grain, or have a farm close by, for whatever reason that the grain may not be tested just be careful.
Most exposure is within what is considered safe. But if my math is right, 20-120 PPB of the stuff can be lethal. " an AFB1 dose of 20–120 μg/kg bw per day is acutely toxic and potentially lethal" (taken from a WHO article). Parts per Billion is not much volume. for reference: 120 PPB = 0.001 mL in a 5 gallon batch
I am not trying to start a paranoia campaign, just be aware if you are using grain that is not certified or otherwise regulated.
I say this because I know some in here are growing their own grain, or have a farm close by, for whatever reason that the grain may not be tested just be careful.
Most exposure is within what is considered safe. But if my math is right, 20-120 PPB of the stuff can be lethal. " an AFB1 dose of 20–120 μg/kg bw per day is acutely toxic and potentially lethal" (taken from a WHO article). Parts per Billion is not much volume. for reference: 120 PPB = 0.001 mL in a 5 gallon batch
I am not trying to start a paranoia campaign, just be aware if you are using grain that is not certified or otherwise regulated.