Latest news with #TheInvasiveAlienSpecies(EnforcementandPermitting)Order2019
Daily Mirror
02-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Warning over common plant which can cause blindness in humans and dogs
The highly invasive species, Giant Hogweed, can cause severe burns and even blindness - even its sap, a danger to humans and pets, is a risk, and weed experts are warning the public Plant specialists are raising concerns about a widespread species that can cause horrific burns, potentially returning for years and even leading to sight loss. This extremely invasive variety poses particular dangers through its sap, which triggers photosensitivity, creating serious risks for both people and animals. Jennifer Holmes from Environment Controls has delivered a chilling alert regarding Giant Hogweed, urging utmost care around this specimen frequently discovered along riverside paths and within wooded areas. She said: "This dramatic looking plant, found along many a river path, or woodland walk, must be treated with extreme caution. Its toxic sap contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensitive to sunlight and is a danger to humans and pets. Its distinctive flower heads emerge in June - and can be easily mistaken for other plants such as Cow parsley (non-toxic), Hemlock or Hemlock water dropwort (both highly toxic)." She added: "If you touch Giant Hogweed you may not notice anything immediately as the effects may take up to 24 hours to emerge, but soon large blisters will form on skin and will recur when exposed to sunlight. As well as its harmful properties, as it colonises river banks this can make it difficult to eradicate - do not try to remove it yourself, always consult an expert.", reports the Express. Giant Hogweed, scientifically termed heracleum mantegazzianum, represents an invasive, foreign plant variety included within The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019. Planting this species or allowing it to spread into the wild is an offence, as it aggressively invades natural habitats. Landowners are legally responsible for controlling its growth, and failure to do so - especially if it spreads onto neighbouring properties - can result in fines or other legal consequences. Daniel Docking from Property Care Association (PCA) also emphasised the importance of public knowledge on the matter: "It is important to make the public aware of the presence of giant hogweed, and the risks associated with exposure to it," reports Manchester Evening News. He went on to stress the escalating worry: "This is a highly invasive weed that grows vigorously and its distribution and frequency is increasing over time. Every year there are reports of injuries affecting people who have come into contact with the plant, as it produces a skin reaction that is antagonised by exposure to sunlight." Agonising Recurring Blisters and Burns These aren't ordinary burns; skin affected by Giant Hogweed may develop blisters repeatedly upon sun exposure, potentially for years after the initial encounter, reports Wales Online. Blindness and Eye Damage Contact with the sap, particularly in the eyes, can lead to severe irritation, blurred or lost vision, and, in rare but serious cases, permanent blindness. This makes it especially hazardous for curious children and pets who may unknowingly come into contact with the common plant. Delayed Reaction Those who come into contact with the perilous plant may not exhibit symptoms for up to two days, often leading to unsuspecting individuals spending even more time in the sun, thereby worsening the damage. How can you identify Giant Hogweed? The PCA has provided guidance to help people distinguish the dangerous giant hogweed, which can easily be confused with Britain's native Hogweed, Cow Parsley or Hemlock plants, although these are significantly smaller and have leaves with a smoother edge. The association strongly advises against getting too close to the plant when trying to identify it. Key characteristics of giant hogweed include its height: The Giant Hogweed is an exceptionally tall biennial or perennial herbaceous plant, capable of growing over 10 feet. Flowers: It flaunts large, white, umbrella-shaped flower heads (up to 50cm wide) that resemble an oversized Cow parsley. Stem: The stems are thick, hollow, and ridged, coloured green with distinctive purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. Leaves: The leaves are large, deeply lobed, and sharply toothed, often reaching over a metre in width. What should you do if you react to Giant Hogweed? If you or your pet come into contact with the sap of Giant Hogweed, it's crucial to rinse the affected area thoroughly and immediately with soap and cold water. Make sure to keep the exposed skin out of direct sunlight for at least 48 hours. If blisters develop, or if the sap gets into the eyes, seek urgent medical care. Owing to the longevity of the Giant Hogweed's seeds and the hazard posed by its poisonous sap, professional removal is required.
Daily Record
21-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Urgent warning issued over fears 'invasive plant' can cause severe burns and blindness
The plant was previously labeled UK's most dangerous plant. As temperatures continue to warm-up across Britain, more and more people are spending the majority of their time outdoors. However, according to experts, we should all be avoiding contact with this "dangerous" plant. Invasive weed specialists are now warning that even the slightest contact with giant hogweed can cause severe burns that reappear for years and can even lead to blindness. This highly invasive plant, with its toxic sap that causes photosensitivity, poses a severe risk to unsuspecting humans and pets. Jennifer Holmes from Environment Controls said: 'This dramatic looking plant, found along many a river path, or woodland walk, must be treated with extreme caution. As mentioned above its toxic sap contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensitive to sunlight and is a danger to humans and pets. "Its distinctive flower heads emerge in June - and can be easily mistaken for other plants such as Cow parsley (non-toxic), Hemlock or Hemlock water dropwort (both highly toxic). 'If you touch Giant hogweed you may not notice anything immediately as the effects may take up to 24 hours to emerge, but soon large blisters will form on skin and will recur when exposed to sunlight. "As well as its harmful properties, as it colonises river banks this can make it difficult to eradicate - do not try to remove it yourself, always consult an expert.' Side effects of touching Giant hogweed Recurring Blisters Unlike typical burns, areas affected by Giant hogweed can re-blister each time they are exposed to sunlight, even years after the initial contact. Eye Damage & Blindness Direct contact with the sap in the eyes can cause severe irritation, temporary vision loss, and in extreme cases, permanent blindness. This poses a significant risk to curious children and pets. Delayed Reaction Symptoms may not appear for up to two days, giving unsuspecting individuals more time in the sun, exacerbating the damage. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a non-native invasive species listed on The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019. It is an offence to plant or allow it to spread into the wild, as it aggressively takes over habitats. Landowners have a responsibility to prevent its spread, with potential legal consequences, including encroachment fines, if it affects neighbouring properties by allowing it to spread onto their land. How to spot Giant hogweed? Height A very tall biennial or perennial herbaceous plant, capable of growing over 10 feet. Flowers Large, white, umbrella-shaped flower heads (up to 50cm wide) that resemble an oversized Cow parsley. Stem Thick, hollow, ridged stems that are green with distinctive purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. Leaves Large, deeply lobed, and sharply toothed leaves, often reaching over a metre in width. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Jennifer added: "If you or your pet come into contact with Giant hogweed sap, immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and cold water. "Crucially, keep the affected skin out of direct sunlight for at least 48 hours. Seek immediate medical attention if blisters develop, and particularly if sap gets into the eyes. "Due to the persistent nature of its seeds and the highly toxic sap, professional removal is essential. "Environment Controls offers expert identification, safe removal, and disposal services, typically using specialist excavation methods to ensure the plant is completely eradicated and doesn't pose a recurring threat."
