Alarm: Fatal mold spreads rapidly in Europe!

Alarm: Fatal mold spreads rapidly in Europe!

Europa - A worrying trend is emerging in Europe: the deadly mold Aspergillus is becoming increasingly spreading and endangers people, asthmatics and people with genetic metabolic disorders. According to Kosmo climate change tightens the situation because it creates ideal conditions for growth in the fungus. The forecasts are alarming: by the end of the century, the Aspergillus distribution area could increase by almost 80% and thus expose up to nine million Europeans to potentially fatal risk.

The inhalation of the spores can lead to aspergillless, a severe respiratory disease. In addition, some variants of the mushroom have the ability to produce Aflatoxins that are highly toxic and can cause health problems such as cancer and liver damage. According to PMC , these fungi react particularly sensitively to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, which influences your Aflatoxin production. Drowht stress and rising temperatures thus increase the risk of contamination in important crops.

The health risks of Aflatoxinen

aflatoxins, which are known as mycotoxins and are formed by mold of the genus Aspergillus, are particularly problematic for food safety. Aflatoxin B1 in particular, which is generated by Aspergillus Flavus, is very genotoxic and carcinogen. These substances are stable during the processing of food and can occur at peanuts, corn, rice and other agricultural products. The European Food Safety Authority emphasizes that the Aflatoxin pollution should be minimized in food, since it should be taken up with sensitive health risks with sensitive people represent.

The topic is further complicated by increased Aflatoxin loads in grain imports from Southeast Europe. The Austrian medical profession recommends preventive measures for endangered groups, including the use of air filters and the absence of contact with fermenting organic materials. In addition, increased controls and adapted limit values ​​for 2025 have been announced to minimize health risks.

Overall, it is important to further research the interactions between climate change and mycotoxin production in order to better understand the effects on food safety at the moment and in the future. A better understanding of these relationships is necessary to develop suitable measures to combat Aflatoxin pollution and to protect public health.