Poisonous Mushrooms

Every year, poison control centers across America get more than 9,000 calls about mushrooms. Even very experienced mushroom gatherers can have a hard time determining whether or not a mushroom is safe to eat.

• Mushrooms are funguses that grow on wet, moist surfaces such as lawns and wooded areas.
• Mushrooms called amanitas are very poisonous and can cause death. These mushrooms look very similar to mushrooms that are not poisonous.
• Some people are allergic to mushrooms that aren’t considered poisonous.
• People and animals should only eat mushrooms that have been purchased at the store.
• Just because an animal is eating a mushroom does not mean it is safe for humans.
• Cooking, canning, pickling, freezing and drying poisonous mushrooms does not remove toxins.

Eating poisonous mushrooms can have very serious effects including:

• Blood disorders
• Confusion
• Death
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Heart, liver and kidney damage
• Seizures
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

Symptoms may not develop for a couple of days. By that time, serious damage may already have occurred.

To keep your family safe, follow these simple guidelines:

• Check your yard frequently and remove any mushrooms.
• Teach children that wild mushrooms may be poisonous.
• Do NOT pick and eat wild mushrooms.

Mushroom ingestion can be very serious. If someone you know eats a wild mushroom, contact The University of Kansas Health System Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Save a piece of the mushroom if you can.

Do not wait for symptoms before you call. Symptoms may not develop for several days.