article

Health risks associated with fungi and the integration of this topic into biology and Natural Science education

Anežka Králová, Radim Kuba

information

volume: 35
year: 2026
issue: 1
fulltext: PDF

online publishing date: 29/4/2026
DOI: 10.14712/25337556.2026.1.2
ISSN (Online): 2533-7556

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abstract

Mushrooms are a biologically and ecologically significant group of organisms whose impact on humans is ambivalent: on the one hand, they are indispensable in food production, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology; on the other hand, they may pose serious health risks. This paper provides an overview of the main health risks associated with fungi, focusing in particular on poisoning by toxic species, allergic reactions, asthma-related problems triggered by spores of microscopic fungi, and risk behaviors associated with the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Special attention is also paid to mycotoxins and the health impacts of molds in food and indoor environments. The aim of the paper is to situate these topics within the context of biology and natural science education at primary schools and grammar schools, in relation to national curriculum frameworks. The text demonstrates that curricular documents grant teachers considerable autonomy in the selection of specific content, and highlights the potential of mushroom-related health risks as an effective means of interdisciplinary integration with health education, prevention of risk behavior, and first aid instruction. The paper further offers concrete didactic recommendations and examples of how the topic of fungi can be used to foster pupils’ scientific knowledge, key competencies, and practical skills, including the ability to respond appropriately in health-related emergency situations.


keywords

mushroom poisoning; allergies; asthma; mycotoxins; microscopic fungi; first aid; risk behavior prevention

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