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Many plants can cause dermatitis through contact, poisoning through ingestion, or allergic reactions through either route. People’s susceptibility varies greatly, but many plants are especially dangerous, including some grown as ornamentals in and around homes.
Toxicity of ornamental plants is not a major issue in general, but it is worth mentioning because children and pets are especially vulnerable, and fatalities are possible. The majority of accidental human poisoning by plant ingestion occurs in children under the age of five, but even in this age group, poisoning from plants is uncommon compared to poisoning from common household substances (such as drugs and cleaning supplies).
The majority of the time, we focus on plants to provide colour where it looks best – indoors or in the landscape. When we buy, plant, or grow a plant, we rarely consider the plant’s potential health hazards; instead, we consider beauty, colour, form, and function.
A recurring concern is ornamental plants with berries purchased for Christmas. The colourful fruits of some ornamental peppers are appealing to small children (and pets), and have resulted in numerous calls to poison control centres; in large doses, they can cause irritation (severe in some individuals), as well as vomiting and diarrhoea, but the effects are usually transient. Similarly, the bright red berries of holly are appealing to children and pets, and unless large quantities are consumed, vomiting and diarrhoea are usually the only side effects. The white berries of mistletoe (most commonly (Raf.) Reveal & M.C. Johnst., commonly called) in North American households during the holiday season are also of limited danger unless consumed in large quantities.
Remember that some people will react to plants while others will not. Furthermore, humans differ from cats and dogs. Animals have different levels of tolerance for and against plants. Always treat unknown plants with respect, and make it a point to teach your children to do the same. Which poisonous plants do you grow?
Sources: Canadian Botanical Association
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