PLANTS
Children are often drawn to the bright colors found in plants or to the
seeds and beautiful berries and flowers they produce.
Plants are grouped according to how poisonous or toxic they
can be if ingested or if juices from injured plant parts come in
contact with the skin.
BUT BEWARE!
Some of these can be dangerous if ingested.
POISON PREVENTION TIPS
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POISON HAZARDS
• Know the names of trees and plants are in your yard and inside your home.
• Call the Poison Center to see which Toxic Category these are in.
• Educated family members about plants that are the most toxic.
• Move toxic plants to locations where they are not easily accessible by pets and
small children.
• Wash skin immediately if it comes in contact with plant juices and wear rubber
gloves when handling.
• If plant parts are ingested by someone or by your pets, determine how much
was ingested and which part of the plant was ingested.
• Then call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for appropriate treatment
recommendations.
TOXIC CATEGORIES
For example, the small amount
of chemical secretions from this
injured poison ivy leaf on the
left can cause significant
irritation when touched to skin
areas as shown in the picture
on the right. Similar symptoms
may even be acquired from the
smoke from burning poison ivy
plants.
Remember, sometimes it takes a large amount to cause symptoms,
but sometimes it only takes a little.
For more information call the Poison Center
1-800-222-1222
A Poison Specialist can help determine if this will be a problem and
give correct treatment recommendations.
To see examples of some of the plants in each category below, click on the links.
I. - SEVERELY TOXIC - Plants that are very toxic and can cause serious
symptoms if ingested.
II. - MODERATELY TOXIC - Plants that are moderately toxic. These could cause
damage to your kidneys or other organs or be irritating and cause swelling
to the mucous membranes of your mouth and throat.
III. - MINIMALLY TOXIC - Plants that are minimally toxic. These contain
ingredients that cause only minor to moderate irritation to your skin or to
your stomach if ingested.
IV. - NON-TOXIC - Plants that are not known to cause any substantial symptoms.
The Alabama Poison Center I 2503 Phoenix Drive I Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 I FAX 205-345-7189
Remember...Poison Center Specialists won’t be able to identify your plant,
but can help with appropriate treatment recommendations.
