Carcinogens

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins – toxic compounds that are naturally produced by certain types of mould (fungi). Aflatoxins are among the most poisonous mycotoxins and are produced by certain moulds (Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus) that grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains. Aflatoxins pose a serious health risk to humans and livestock (WHO, 2023).

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed entirely of hydrogen (H) and carbon (C) atoms. They are the simplest form of organic molecules and are the main components of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum. Benzene is a clear, colourless, highly flammable and volatile, liquid aromatic hydrocarbon (molecular formula C6H6) with a gasoline-like odour, which can lead to major public hazards. Benzene is the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon, characterised by alternating single and double bonds between the carbon atoms, forming a delocalized π-electron system.

Asbestos is the term for a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals widely used historically in building materials and other products (WHO, 2018). All types of asbestos cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, cancer of the larynx and ovary, and asbestosis (fibrosis of the lungs) (WHO, 2018).