Flower Power: Poison in the Backyard

To Avoid
Plant Poisoning...

[1] Identify the plants in your yard and house. Learn their common and scientific names.

[2] Never eat any part of an unknown plant, whether it's in your yard or in the wild. Never attempt to make your own "tea "from one unless you've positively identified the plant.

[3] If you grow your own herbs, make certain that you aren't harvesting deadly look-alikes.

[4] Teach your children about the dangers of pot sonous plants. Instruct them to keep unknown flowers, fruits, berries, and other parts out of their mouths. Know which plants the children use as playthings or cookout skewers.

[5] Label seeds and bulbs. Store them away from children. Keep all plant parts out of the reach of infants.

[6] Don't assume that cooking will destroy toxic plant substances.

[7] Don't conclude that a plant is edible for humans just because animals consume it.

If Poisoning Does Occur ...

[1] Call a physician, hospital emergency room, or poison control center immediately. Report the name of the plant, the quantity and parts ingested, how long ago the poisoning occurred, and the age of the victim.

[2] Save all evidence that might help identify the plant, such as any of its parts.

[3] If no doctor is available to provide specific instruction, have the patient drink plenty of water. Induce vomiting by gently tickling the back of the throat with a spoon or a similar blunt object ... or by giving an emetic such as warm salt water, soapy water, or syrup of ipecac.

The last-mentioned emetic is available at a nominal price at any pharmacy. Most doctors recommend that you keep an ounce of syrup of ipecac in your medicine chest at all times, in case of emergencies. The American Medical Association recommends a dosage of two tablespoonsfor an adult, one tablespoon for children under 12, and two teaspoons for infants under one year. Follow its ingestion with one or two glasses of water or milk.

Don't induce vomiting or give liquids if the victim is unconscious or convulsing. Keep the patient warm. Administer artificial respiration if necessary.

[4] Take the victim and the plant parts to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible.