Co-contamination and interaction of fungal toxins and other environmental toxins

The study of fungal toxins has progressed from individual toxins to a combination of multiple toxins. Pollution survey on fungal toxins currently focuses on single- or multiple-fungal toxins. However, co-contamination of various environmental toxins exists in food chain, which may be potentially risky for human and animals. Studies on the risks caused by the combined exposure of different environmental toxins have recently been conducted. Whether a relationship exists between these different kinds of toxins has to be determined. Therefore, the coexistence and joint toxicity of fungal toxins and other kinds of toxicants bear research significance. We summarize a concise report on the co-contamination of fungal toxins and typical environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides) in various products, evaluation aspects, and combined effects of fungal toxins and other environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides, hormones, algal toxins, bacterial toxins, etc.). Co-occurrence of fungal toxins worldwide, particularly in baby food, is also discussed. Co-contamination of fungal toxins, pesticides, and heavy metals occurs in a wide range of products and may be passed onto infants. Significant discrepancy in research exists, resulting from the lack of regional and systematic investigations. More attention should be paid to susceptible populations. Emerging research become interest in the joint effects of fungal toxins and other environmental toxins. Whether the metabolic, transformation, and toxic pathways of fungal toxins can be affected by other toxins requires an in-depth investigation in the future.