- Sweet cassava (lower toxin levels)
- Bitter cassava (much higher toxin levels)
If cassava is not processed correctly, it can cause acute cyanide poisoning, which may be fatal.
How People Die From It
Deaths usually occur when:
- Cassava is eaten raw or undercooked
- Traditional processing steps are skipped
- Food shortages force people to rush preparation
Symptoms of poisoning include:
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Severe stomach pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Death in severe cases
Children are especially vulnerable.
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Long-Term Health Effects
Even when cassava poisoning is not fatal, long-term consumption of poorly processed cassava can lead to serious conditions such as:
Konzo — a permanent paralysis of the legs
Thyroid disorders
