Poisonous mushrooms can be those in decomposing stages and are infested with bacteria, fungi or with harsh chemicals. It is also called toadstools. Mushroom poisoning refers to the ingestion of toxic substances present in mushrooms. People should consider some of the little known ways to avoid poisonous mushrooms to enjoy different edible types in our cuisine.



Mushroom can be poisonous due to the composition of their geographical location. Poison can be acquired in insecticides or herbicides sprayed on lawns. Mycetism or mushroom poisoning refers to the toxic effects from eating mushrooms with bacteria or fungi. It can vary from gastrointestinal discomforts to death.

The most common reason for mushroom poisoning is the misidentification of its variations, whether it is edible or not. Another reason is the close resemblance of its color and morphology (the branch of biology that deals with the form and structure of organisms).

There are more than 60 kinds of poisonous mushroom but only a few is lethal. Only 32 have been identified with fatalities and 52 contain significant toxins. Even edible mushrooms can cause illnesses. Hundreds of it can cause mild stomach ache to physical distress.

There are three categories of poisonous mushrooms. The first are those that will make you sick when consumed. The second can be fatal. The third have psychoactive (substance that affects mental processes) effects.

It is very important to learn about these mushrooms especially if you are fond of eating them. Understand the role it plays in our environment. Mushrooms grow in different habitats. Learn some information about these species especially on their color, size, locations and toxicity. When you are in doubt of its identity and have no proper tools, do not eat it.

Observe your surroundings for unwanted mushrooms. Most mushroom related poisoning are with small children eating mushrooms found in the neighborhood. There are certain types that grow in damp soil and in most shaded areas. Try to examine whether it is growing out of the side of the tree or if it is attached to other plants. Many of them grow independently. Never try to pick some in non-natural landscapes.

Eat a small amount if you have are prone to allergy. Some are allergic even to the safest mushroom. Try a small amount first and wait 24 hours before eating a lot. Observe if it will have any effect on you within 24 hours.

Eat only fresh mushrooms. Rotting mushrooms is harmful. It can make you ill because of the decomposing effect. Be aware of some mushrooms you purchase in supermarkets that may be nearly expired already, or are old stocks.

Do not eat raw mushrooms and on large quantities. Most wild mushrooms are difficult to digest when eaten raw.

Familiarize with other species that looks like them. Avoid other mushrooms which look like amanita and false morels. Amanita has bright colored caps ornamented with scales. Several have contained amanitin (deadliest poison found in nature). Most fatal poisoning is caused by ingestion of Amanita phalloides.

False morels have wrinkled caps similar to a brain, and the bottom edge is like a skirt. They are often called Arkansas morels and elephant ears. Toxic chemical monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) is present in false morels. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, headaches. It can be fatal.

Try to find out signs on animals that have eaten mushrooms you are identifying. Identify names of poisonous mushrooms. Be aware of the common names like Jack-O'-Lantern (Omphalotus olearius), an orange type that glows in the dark. It has a fruity fragrance and tastes good also. They may cause mild to severe stomach upsets. It is sometimes mistaken as a chanterelle.

The green-spored Lepiota (Chlorophyllum molybdites) is a parasol shaped mushroom that has a large ring on the stems. It can cause gastrointestinal problems but not life threatening.

The little brown mushrooms are small to medium sized brownish mushroom with spores of different colors. Some are mildly poisonous and some are deadly. It may grow on soil or wood, also in pastures, lawns or forests.

Lastly, be aware of the mushrooms toxins involved like Alpha-amanitin, Phallotoxin, Orellanine, Muscarine, Coprine, Arabitol, Ergotamine, etc.

Symptoms of the poisonous mushroom usually pass in 24 hours with no effects. It may eventually respond to treatments but some toxins can cause death in a few days. Majority of the cases are due to mistaken identity of the many types of mushrooms. Identifying each one of the many mushroom types will eventually prevent you from any health hazards and untoward incidents.