Mycotoxin exposure in a changing European climate

Key messages

Mycotoxins are linked to a range of negative health effects. They can disrupt the endocrine system, affect the central nervous system and act as carcinogens.

Climate change can change fungal distribution thus increasing human exposure to some mycotoxins and exacerbating their impacts on health.

A Horizon 2020 project (HBM4EU) measured concentrations of chemicals in our bodies. It showed that 14% of the adult population in Europe is exposed to levels of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) that may harm health.

A One Health approach is essential for mitigating exposure to mycotoxins and their future impact on public health.