Diane Relf
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Most
of our homes are graced with houseplants. As adults, we realize
these plants are to be looked at and not eaten, but children
may have other ideas. Be sure children understand about houseplant
safety, and if necessary, place houseplants so little hands
cannot reach them. Following are some plants that require
caution.
Members
of the Araceae family
These
plants contain needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate that
penetrate and irritate tissues of the mouth and throat. Chemicals
in their sap, such as asparagine (a protein), also can cause
inflammation of mucous membranes. Plants in this family include
dieffenbachia, philodendron, caladium, and elephant's ear.
Symptoms of poisoning from dieffenbachia are intense burning
and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips. Although rare,
if the reaction is severe enough, the swelling can seal off
the breathing passages. Philodendron, caladium, and elephant's
ear produce the same types of symptoms when ingested. If a
piece of the corm (underground stem) is eaten, symptoms are
a fiery burning of the mouth and throat. Jack-in-the-pulpit
is a native member to watch in this family.
Members of the
Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family
Most
members of the spurge family have a milky sap this is acrid
and toxic. This sap can cause dermatitis in some people and
poisoning if eaten by someone who is allergic to the chemicals
in the sap. Members of this family include the crown-of-thorns,
the pencil tree (milk bush), poinsettia, and snow-on-the-mountain.
Snow-on-the-mountain can cause blisters and skin burns.
It is
appropriate to note here the debate about the poinsettia.
The original warnings on this plant were from a report in
1919 on a child who died in Hawaii where poinsettia is used
as an outdoor ornamental. However, laboratory tests have NOT
confirmed the toxicity of the plant when ingested. Poison
control centers receive many reports each year of ingestion
of poinsettia, but only occasional abdominal pain and nausea
have been documented.
Members of the
Solanaceae family
These
plants contain solanine, a poisonous glycoalkaloid, that is
extremely toxic even in small amounts. Jerusalem cherry is
an ornamental in this family. Eating its berries cause symptoms
ranging from headaches and stomach pains to shock and paralysis
of the circulatory and respiratory systems. However, not all
members of the Solanaceae family are toxic; for example, tomatoes
and peppers.
Now
that you are aware of possible dangers with certain houseplants,
you can take steps to ensure the safety of others around these
lovely plants. Try using hanging baskets, high shelves, or
window boxes to keep plants away from children. You don't
need to stop displaying the plants mentioned above, just do
so carefully.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
(Prepared
by Kate Dobbs, Extension Technician, Consumer Horticulture
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0327.)
April
1997
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