Statistics About The Most Poisonous Mushrooms

In this post, we explore the alarming statistics surrounding the world of poisonous mushrooms. From the notorious death cap mushroom causing the majority of toxic incidents globally to the lesser-known but equally deadly species like deadly webcaps and dapperlings, the dangers of ingesting these fungi are stark. Learn about the concerning number of fatalities, cases of kidney failure, and delayed symptoms associated with some of the most poisonous mushrooms that pose a serious threat to human health.

Statistic 1

"Amanita phalloides, also known as “death cap,” contributes to most toxic mushroom poisoning worldwide."

Statistic 2

"Mushroom poisoning accounts for approximately 6,000 reported cases of toxicity in the U.S. annually."

Statistic 3

"Approximately 95% of mushroom fatalities are caused by Amanita spp."

Statistic 4

"It only takes about half an Amanita phalloides cap to kill a human."

Statistic 5

"Webcaps (Cortinarius species) are among the top five most poisonous mushrooms to humans."

Statistic 6

"Death caps (Amanita phalloides) cause over 90% of all mushroom poisoning deaths."

Statistic 7

"The symptoms of deadly autumn skullcap (Galerina marginata) poisoning may not appear for up to 13 hours after ingestion."

Statistic 8

"The aptly named Deadly Webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) has been linked to numerous statistics of kidney failure."

Statistic 9

"In 2011, nine people in California were poisoned after eating soup made with deadly dapperling (Lepiota subincarnata)."

Statistic 10

"The destroying angel (Amanita ocreata) is responsible for the majority of fatal and near fatal mushroom ingestions in California."

Statistic 11

"Amanita phalloides poisoning resulted in at least 18 deaths in the United States between 2007 and 2012."

Statistic 12

"There are over 100 species of poisonous mushrooms in the genus Amanita."

Statistic 13

"Amanita virosa is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings in Europe."

Statistic 14

"The death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) contains as many as six different toxins."

Statistic 15

"The most common subgroup of mushroom poisonings in adults in the US is hepatotoxic mushroom poisonings, which are almost exclusively related to Amanita species."

Statistic 16

"102 serious poisoning cases, plus at least 32 deaths, have been reported worldwide between 2007 and 2016 from the deadly dapperlings."

This compilation of statistics on poisonous mushrooms serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of consuming unfamiliar fungi. Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap, stands out as the leading cause of toxic mushroom poisonings worldwide, with its potency highlighted by the fact that only half a cap can be deadly to humans. The prevalence of Amanita species in mushroom poisoning cases, along with the significant impact on kidney failure and fatalities, underscores the need for heightened awareness and caution when foraging for or consuming wild mushrooms. The delayed onset of symptoms in certain toxic species, such as the deadly autumn skullcap, further emphasizes the importance of prompt medical attention in suspected cases of mushroom poisoning. Overall, these statistics emphasize the critical importance of accurate identification and education to prevent potentially fatal consequences associated with poisonous mushrooms.