If you work in any of the following professions you need to be aware of certain plant species for health and safety reasons and to ensure bio-security whilst working, to avoid risk of invasive plants spreading.
- Property Management agents
- Surveyors
- Ecologists
- Construction
- Utilities
- Leisure and sport facilities management
- Estate agents
- Land management
Experts warn that without even basic knowledge of harmful and poisonous species - such as how to identify them and knowing their habitat, people can risk suffering serious harm and in some cases long-term health issues - even death.
Knowing what to look for is key, for instance, would you know what the plant in image 1 above is?
It's Common ragwort and it's one of the most frequent causes of plant poisoning of livestock in Britain, with equines and bovines being more susceptible than others – particularly the young. It can also be poisonous to people and has been suspected of causing liver damage in those who pull the plant without wearing protective clothing.
Ragwort acts as a cumulative poison, eventually destroying the liver, and a small intake of ragwort over a long period can be just as damaging as a large intake on a single occasion. Ragwort proliferates on roadside verges, railway tracks, wasteland and pasture land, so it can be found on a lot of work or project sites.
The plant in image 2 is Hemlock (also known as Dead Man's Fingers). You may be surprised to know that both the leaves and the flowers of Hemlock and the popular herb Chervil look extremely similar – so much so that to a novice forager they could appear identical. Put one on your salad and it’ll boost the flavour – but the other one can kill you!
Colloquially known as Hemlock, Poison Hemlock or Wild Hemlock, it is a Class B noxious weed. A highly poisonous biennial herbaceous flowering plant that is a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae).
Don’t be fooled by this plant’s delicate appearance, all parts of the Hemlock plant are poisonous, naming this as the most toxic plant to both humans and animals growing in Britain. Even the dead canes can remain toxic for up to 3 years and only a small amount of plant material can be fatal. It contains a powerful neurotoxin called Oenanthe toxin, which triggers spasmodic convulsions, usually followed by sudden death.
If you suspect poisoning from this plant, call for help immediately because the toxins are fast-acting. The good news is that for both people and animals, quick treatment can reverse the harm and typically there aren’t noticeable after effects
The plant in image 3 is Yellow Azalea. Azaleas contain substances called grayanotoxins that are present in all parts of the plant. Grayantoxins block normal function of the muscles in people and animals, including the heart, and can impair nerve function. If ingested this plant is toxic to humans and animals.
The bright red leaves of Virginia Creeper are well known across the UK. Often seen adorning entire building frontages, this rapid growing plant is classed as a non-native invasive. If the leaves or berries are ingested they can cause irritation to the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. Although rare, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and difficulty swallowing have been reported. The plant’s sap can also be an irritant which causes a health risk when manually managing plant growth.
Field horsetail is found on open land, fields and managed land and is extremely dangerous to grazing horses, as it inhibits production of vitamin B1. Symptoms of Field horsetail poisoning in horses include scruffy physical appearance, weight loss, diarrhoea, uncoordinated movements, loss of muscular control, staggering gait, balance issues, seizures, and may eventually lead to death from exhaustion
Avoid contact with these plants
Many other plants can cause skin irritation or health issues
Knowing how to work safely among plants that can cause allergic reactions or other health problems requires specialist knowledge or training. It's important to know what you're dealing with, what protective clothing to wear and how to correctly handle the plant if it's part of your job to do so.
Experts in the field stress the importance of having basic identification training at least for the toxic species. Second to that is knowing their habitat so you can be aware and watch for plants that create a health hazard.
Surveyors, property managers and groundsmen are exposed to environmental hazards daily. Just brushing against some of these plants is easily done whilst on site visit and can be harmful. It's important to have knowledge of these plants to know which to avoid contact with.
Remember, as well as the one listed above, these other plants can also cause health issues:
- Giant hogweed - will cause long term skin blistering
- Cotoneaster - poisonous if ingested in large amounts, toxic to humans, dogs, cats and horses.
This article was written by Japanese Knotweed Ltd & Environmental Controls
