Wednesday, July 6, 2011

the threat from giant hogweed in summer

Plant Like This

can cause severe burns and possible blindness in this summer, If the sap gets on your skin, and the sun shines on your skin, especially if there's moisture like sweat and it needs the sun it makes the skin unable to protect itself from sunlight, and you can get third-degree burns and blisters.


Native to the Caucasus Mountain region between the Black and Caspian seas, the plant is identifiable by giant leaves that produce white flowers that are in bloom at this time from late June to mid-July.
Giant hogweed has been around for 100 years, brought to this country in the early 20th century, "because it's an amazing ornamental plant. It can grow to 14 feet tall," and was used "as a showpiece for ... flower garden. The flower head can be 21/2 feet across and shaped like an umbrella. Once in the United States, seeds were distributed to both botanical gardens and home gardens.






The Solution for safe If you see this Plants

Don't:

• Touch it with bare skin

• Touch bare skin with sap-covered gloves

• Use a weed-whacker or brush cutter; sap may splatter

• Touch eyes if you come in contact with sap

Do:


• Wash affected areas with soap and cold water quickly

• Wash eyes if sap gets in them and wear sunglasses

• See a doctor if painful blisters form within 48 hours

• Expect long-term sensitivity to sunlight in the affected areas