Mushroom Toxins
 

Only 100 of the many thousands of wild mushrooms in North America are considered to be toxic.  Of this select group even fewer (less than 10) are known to be deadly (McPartland, 1797). 

 

Most mushroom poisonings involve young children during the months of June through October.  Children are most often exposed to potentially harmful mushrooms when they are left alone outdoors and decide to “sample” a mushroom growing in their yard.  The majority of these “accidental” exposures never become serious medical issues due to the fact that: (1) most lawn mushrooms are harmless, (2) the child is quickly taken to the doctor, (3) fresh specimens of the fungus are usually available, and (4) seldom does the child actually ingest the mushroom (McPartland, 1797). 

 

Most cases of “mushroom poisoning” are not the result of ingesting toxic mushrooms.  Rather, many individuals experience unpleasant side effects as the result of allergies, overindulgence of raw mushrooms, or food poisoning from ingestion of rotten mushrooms.  In each case symptoms generally include nausea, vomiting, and / or diarrhea (Arora, 892).

 

On the whole, most species of mushrooms are not poisonous and pose little to no danger if eaten.  Most individuals that do experience mushroom poisoning do so simply because of ignorance and / or carelessness on their part.  It is important to remember however that even though relatively few species of mushrooms are poisonous, a number of the more dangerous species are exceptionally common.  Small children and individuals in poor health are extremely susceptible to the effects of mushroom toxins (many times to the point of death).  When mushroom poisoning is suspected medical attention should be sought out immediately.  If possible, identify the mushroom responsible for the poisoning for this will help the physician to determine what course of action should be taken in treating the illness (Arora, 892).

 

If after eating mushrooms you experience unpleasant symptoms from 4 to 24 hours or more after ingestion you need to seek medical attention immediately.  A number of the deadliest toxins do not cause any initial alimentary symptoms, but will subsequently cause serious and irreversible damage to vital organs, including the kidneys and liver.  Internal organ damage reveals itself after the fact resulting in grave medical problems and even death.

 

If on the other hand, you experience unpleasant symptoms (nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea) within roughly an hour of ingesting mushrooms more than likely an alimentary toxin is at work and you don’t have too much to worry about.   Your chances of a serious medical problem are low and more than likely you will recovery completely within a couple of days (Barron, 319). 

 

Works Cited

 

Arora, David.  Mushrooms Demystified.  2nd ed.  Berkley, Ten Speed Press, 1986.

 

Barron, George.  Mushrooms of Northeast North America.  Edmonton: Lone Pine, 1999.

 

McPartland, John M., Rytas J. Vilgalys, and Marc A. Cubeta.  “Mushroom Poisoning.”

            American Family Physician.  April 1997: 1797-1809.