Many of our house plants are poisonous and can make a child very sick or even die. We need to make sure that the plants that we have in our homes are not poisonous if small children will be toddling about.
Children are curious and want to explore everything, and will do so at every opportunity. They also use their mouth as an exploration tool; putting everything in it to discover what it is all about. Many of our house plants are poisonous and can make a child very sick or even die. We need to make sure that the plants that we have in our homes are not poisonous if small children will be toddling about and putting them in their mouths.
Many common species of house plants that are used to decorate an entry way, end table, or hang from a hook in front of a sunny window are poisonous. Even when poisonous plants are moved to higher levels, the fallen and dried leaves still pose a potential health risk when eaten or sucked on by a child. The National Poison Control Center recommends that homes with small children do not have poisonous plants in them.
Some dangerous plants contain poisons found only in certain parts of a particular species, while others are poisonous in their entirety. If you are uncertain whether your plant is poisonous or not, you should get rid of it. There are many more dangerous house plants than the the ones listed below; these are the most common plants and the most toxic to children.
Mums: Mums are a common flower that is given at Mother's Day. Many people will re-plant them into their yards. The leaves are poisonous.
Dieffenbachia: Very popular plant which varies in color from dark oblong green leaves with darker green spots, or paler green with white spots or blotches. Bitten leaves can cause lips, mouth, and throat to swell and burn, rendering a person speechless. This plant has been referred to as "dumb cane" due to these effects. Severe ingestion can result in death.
Aloe: Aloe is a cactus type plant that is used topically for relief from burns, and dry skin, but the juices can be poisonous if they are ingested.
Philodendron: Very common decorative indoor plant. The plant has thick, pointed, heart-shaped or oval-shaped leaves ranging in colors of light to dark green. Mature plants may produce flowers that can be white, green, or red in color. Highly poisonous, symptoms include burning and swelling of the lips, mouth, and tongue. Weakness, kidney failure and even death may occur.
Caladium: There are more than a dozen types of caladium. These plants have large arrow-shaped leaves which are thin, almost transparent, and vary in color. Common both as a house plant and outdoors, Caladium can produce small white flowers and berry fruit. Eating or nibbling any part of this plant can cause severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as burning and swelling in the mouth and throat. In rare cases, death may occur.
English Ivy: This is an evergreen vine, used widely inside and outside homes as decoration. This plant has dark green leaves, with yellow or white veins, and produces pea-sized black berries. Leaves can cause irritation by skin contact in some people. All parts of this plant are poisonous, causing stomach pains, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and eventually coma when eaten in larger quantities.
Jerusalem Cherry: This plant has shiny oblong green leaves and small white clustered blossoms. The plant also produces red or orange berries, these resemble small tomatoes which are even more poisonous than the main plant leaves and flowers. All parts are poisonous, and just a few of it's berries can kill a child.
Most poisonous plants are colorful with pretty flowers or berries that attract a child. They like to pick them and eat them or give the flowers to Mommy. Look around your house and yard, make a list, and check with the local poison control center for a list of all plants that are dangerous.
It is best to think of any ornamental plant as a potential hazard, and teach your child that these types of plants should not be put in their mouths. Children need to be taught not to eat any part of a plant unless they have permission from an adult. All dried and fallen leaves should be disposed of just as soon as they fall off of the plant. Discourage playing in plant soil, cover the top of soil with a nylon screen to keep fingers out of the dirt. Keep children, and yourself, clear of burning plant fires. Inhaling plant smoke could be harmful.
If your child should eat a plant that you believe is poisonous call the Poison Control Center. Do not induce vomiting with syrup of Ipecac, unless directed to do so by medical and/or poison control personnel. Bring the plant label and a sample of the eaten plant with you to the hospital if you are instructed to get medical attention. If you are uncertain of a plant's identity, take it to a nursery or florist for identification.
Poison Prevention Week is in the month of March, generally about the third week. This week is dedicated to educating adults and children about the dangers of potential poisonous substances in and about your home. Your local pharmacist or pediatrician should have information pamphlets offering helpful tips and checklists for making your home more child friendly. Of course, year-round this information should be available upon request, and can be obtained by calling your local Poison Control Center.
There is no substitute for adult supervision in keeping children safe, but supervision is easier when there are fewer hazards in your home.
