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  1. Research

Quantification of Aflatoxin B1 in Smokeless Tobacco Products

Principal Investigator: Michael Rybak / Matt Walters

Funding Mechanism: Interagency Agreement

ID number: 224-10-9022

Award Date: 4/1/2012

Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Aflatoxin B1 is a known carcinogenic compound that is produced by food-borne molds and has previously been found in smokeless tobacco products.  Continued exposure to aflatoxin B1 may lead to the onset of cancer through protein or DNA adducts.  The goal of this project is to measure aflatoxin B1 in approximately 30 different smokeless tobacco products representing various subclasses of smokeless products.  Quantities of aflatoxin B1 will be determined analytically using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) technology.  Data regarding the quantities of aflatoxin B1 in smokeless products may be used to inform FDA’s regulatory authorities related to product standard development and product application review.