A recent study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters suggests that aflatoxin will become increasingly prevalent in U.S. corn production due to the effects of climate change. Based on the results of 16 climate change models, over 89.5 percent of corn-growing countries in 15 states may experience heightened aflatoxin contamination in 2031–2040, compared to 2011–2020.
Aflatoxin contamination of corn is caused by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Hot and dry conditions encourage fungi spores to be airborne, which allows for the contamination of crops.