Poisonous Plants
Children, toddlers, gardeners, and pets are all vulnerable to poisonous and irritant plants (including leaves and/or flowers) and it is therefore worthwhile for householders, and in particular parents and pet owners to know which plants pose a risk.
Some plants that are often found in homes, such as the swiss-cheese plant (split-leaf philodendron) that may have sat harmlessly gathering dust for years – have poisonous leaves that could cause problems if chewed by a passing baby.
General symptoms of poisoning include blistering of the skin, hoarseness, irritation of the mouth and, allergic reactions and itching of the skin.
Trading Standards Officers are warning consumers that not all poisonous plants (or cuttings from plants) are labelled as such, and that often, when plants are given as presents, the labels are removed.
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Officers suggest that consumers check the plants in their homes and, when they buy plants, ensure that the labels provide information on the poisonous nature of the plant.
In 1995 The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), in association with the National Poisons Unit, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the Royal Horticultural Society introduced a voluntary Code of Practice. Revised in 2000, this lists 115 plants and gives details of how they should be labelled.
Useful Advice
Poisoning of humans
- Symptoms can include stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhoea and, less commonly, convulsions and irregular heartbeat. Poisonous plants may even kill, if eaten in large enough quantities.
- Keep an eye on children at the crawling and toddling stage who are likely to put small objects like berries in their mouths. Older children, who may try nibbling plants to see if they are edible, should be taught not to eat plants that are not recognised food.
- If poisoning is suspected telephone your local casualty department or GP. (Have these numbers easily to hand near the phone).
Poisoning of pets
- If you think an animal has eaten a poisonous plant, seek veterinary advice straight away.
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