Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2018-08-28
While recent rain has brought flooding to parts of western and southern Taiwan, the wet weather has also created an expected hazard in Miaoli in northern Taiwan.
With the new semester just a few days away, Principal Wang Shu-mei of Wenshan Elementary School in Miaoli has more than just the classroom schedule on her mind. Recent warm and wet weather has caused clumps of poisonous fungi to spring up on the school’s sports fields and grassy areas.
The hundreds of giant puffballs and false parasols that have recently appeared look curious, even attractive – but they can be deadly if accidentally eaten. Principal Wang has been going around the school taking pictures in order to warn her kids to watch out and look but not touch.
Doctor Chiang Shih-feng of the local Daqian General Hospital says these fungi are very toxic if consumed. At best, they will cause vomiting and diarrhea – at worst, potentially fatal damage to the liver and kidneys. [FULL STORY]