Aflatoxin B1 frequently turns up in molds that grow on nuts. Iraq and Iran are two of the world's largest producers of pistachio nuts, but the toxin can also be cultivated from molds that grow on corn and other crops. To date little data exists demonstrating aflatoxins' effectiveness on the battlefield. Like anthrax, it forms spores that can live in soil. Though its spores are less nasty in food, the organism causes gas gangrene when it finds its way into open battlefield wounds.
Gas gangrene produces pain and swelling as the infected area bloats with gas.
Later it causes shock, jaundice and death. Its possession, use and importation is outlawed in the United States. The Web Copyright 2000 ABC News Internet Ventures.