A Systematic Review of the Impact of Maize Mold Exposure on Lung Health of Farmers in the Central and Eastern Plains of China Under Long-term Rainy Conditions

Abstract

The central and eastern plains of China are major maize-producing areas. In October 2025, prolonged rainy weather led to massive mold growth on maize in producing regions such as Shandong and Henan. Farmers lacked effective protection when harvesting and shelling maize in the rain, resulting in direct exposure to high concentrations of mold spores and a significant increase in the risk of lung infectious diseases. This paper systematically reviews the promoting effect of rainy weather on mold growth and the impact of mold spore exposure on lung health, analyzes the pathological mechanisms and epidemiological characteristics of farmers' lung infections, evaluates the effectiveness of current prevention and control measures, puts forward targeted environmental and health intervention strategies, and provides suggestions for future research directions and policy formulation. The aim is to improve the health security level of farmers and contribute to the sustainable development of food security and public health.