Aflatoxin (Noun)
Meaning
A potent carcinogen from the fungus Aspergillus; can be produced and stored for use as a bioweapon.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus has been classified as a human carcinogen and can have severe health consequences if ingested in large quantities.
- Exposure to aflatoxin in high concentrations could be lethal, and its use as a bioweapon has been a topic of concern for defense agencies worldwide.
- The process of producing aflatoxin on a large scale requires controlled conditions, and experts warn of its potential use by rogue organizations for malicious purposes.
- Ingestion of aflatoxin contaminated food over an extended period can lead to liver cancer and other health complications.
- Aflatoxin was added to the list of biological agents and toxins with the potential for use in bioterrorism, highlighting its threat to public health and national security.