Scientists warn that dangerous mold is spreading in Europe due to warming
9 May 2025 20:21
Climate change is contributing to the spread of the dangerous Aspergillus mold to new regions of Europe, North Asia, and North America.
This is reported by The Independent, citing a study co-authored by Norman van Rijn, a Wellcome Trust researcher at the University of Manchester, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Aspergillus is a type of mold that can cause serious respiratory diseases, especially in people with weakened immune systems, asthma, or cystic fibrosis. The most common and most dangerous species, Aspergillus fumigatus, grows comfortably at 37°C, i.e. inside the human body.
According to the study, Aspergillus fumigatus could spread to 77% more new territories by 2100 if intensive use of fossil fuels continues. This poses a potential threat to about nine million people in Europe alone.
Another type of mold, Aspergillus flavus, which grows on crops, could spread to an additional 16% of the territory in the northern regions of China, Russia, Scandinavia and Alaska.
Norman van Rijn emphasized that the world is approaching a “tipping point” when pathogenic molds will be able to take root in more and more environments, including residential areas.
Despite the danger, it is worth noting that some Aspergillus species are used in the food and industrial industries, in particular for the fermentation of soy sauce and sake.
