Health risk assessment of enzymes in different sectors

Abstract

Microbial enzymes that perform optimally under harsh conditions are currently in high demand as they have found a lot of applications in various fields such as industrial, environmental, and biomedical sectors. Enzymes used in these sectors have an exceptional safety profile, with a low potential to cause harmful reactions in humans. It is a reasonable assumption that most enzymes have the potential to pose a health risk due to exposure to enzymes through oral, inhalation, skin, and eye contact. Some enzymes have the potential to cause reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity, and allergic and irritating effects at high concentrations. Bacterial and fungal enzymes have the intrinsic ability to act as respiratory and immune sensitizers. This chapter discusses the health risk assessment of enzymes in different sectors that are essential due to their wide application in various fields. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.