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Houseplants can lend beauty to the home and even help keep the air clean of pollutants. But several plant varieties can be poisonous, and care should be taken when selecting them or choosing a place to display them. This can be a big concern with children or pets.
Pets and children should be discouraged from eating any plant, whether or not it is known to be toxic. The severity of reaction from ingesting any particular plant can vary according to which part is eaten and the amount eaten. Even if the plant is harmless, letting pets chew on the leaves may kill the plant and often induces vomiting. If you choose to keep toxic plants in the home, keep a bottle of ipecac syrup handy as well as the number for the poison control center. Find locations to display these plants that discourage contact.
Every part of the philodendron, a very popular houseplant, are poisonous. They cause burning and swelling of the mouth and throat and nausea, and can damage the kidneys of both humans and pets. Other common houseplants cause the same symptoms, such as pothos, calla lily, anthurium, and peace lily.
Dieffenbachia, also known as “dumb cane” causes similar symptoms to the Philodendron if ingested, but the reaction can be more severe. Swelling of the mouth and throat can prevent speech, swallowing, and even breathing. All parts are poisonous, and the sap from the stems can cause skin rashes.
Popular holiday decorations include holly and mistletoe. They produce small berries which are toxic, mistletoe being the most toxic of the two. Holly berries can cause stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Mistletoe can also cause a slow pulse and loss of consciousness. Another common holiday decoration is the yew, which also has red berries that can lead to convulsions, coma, and possibly death.
There are many indoor plants that cause illness if ingested or rashes from skin contact. The toxicity can vary, and some may cause death. Unless you have no pets or children, exercise caution and research any possible effects that a plant might cause before adding it to your collection. Practice safety precautions, and keep toxic plants in areas where pets and children won’t be tempted to nibble them.
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