Safety

[+Puffin42]

I hope all UK cachers are aware of this problem which seems to have been getting a higher profile in the news recently.

 

This is quite a dangerous plant and can be found along river banks among other places. If you get the spores on you and then these are activated by sunlight the effects can be quite horrendous it seems. Just be careful out there and consider covering up when routing round in foliage.

[+Puffin42]

Oh first post so something went wrong. This is referring to the plant known as giant hogweed.

[+wmpastor]

Yikes! I read about the symptoms and saw photos of the rashes, which look like a severe case of poison ivy - with potential effects lingering after the original illness. And it is also found in the Mid-Atlantic region of the eastern United States. We all need to recognize this tall plant with its large, ruffled leaves!

[+cerberus1]

A search here shows 2 pages of threads on the subject.

Can't hurt to keep reminding folks of a weed that not only burns your skin, but can blind you.

Luckily, here the state gets rid of it themselves if you report it, and they say it's eradicated in the NE part of our state.

Probably some still hidden away in the larger game lands.

[+jellis]

It is also found in the New England states as well as Pacific NW

Edited July 18, 2015 by jellis

[+Puffin42]

A search here shows 2 pages of threads on the subject.

Can't hurt to keep reminding folks of a weed that not only burns your skin, but can blind you.

Luckily, here the state gets rid of it themselves if you report it, and they say it's eradicated in the NE part of our state.

Probably some still hidden away in the larger game lands.

[+Puffin42]

I did wonder if there would be. But I'm quite a newbie to this and haven't worked out all the search functions properly. Thanks for confirming that the topic is known about.

[Keystone]

This is not a "How do I..." question so I am moving the thread to the Geocaching Topics forum. It's always good to discuss awareness of geo-hazards!

[+narcissa]

It is the sap that can cause damage to your skin. Giant hogweed produces seeds to reproduce, not spores.

[Pup Patrol]

We have giant hogweed in Ontario, Canada, too.

 

Looks like Queen Anne's Lace.

 

What do I do if I’m exposed to Giant Hogweed?

 

If you come into contact with giant hogweed, seek immediate shelter since exposure to the sap makes human skin hypersensitive to sunlight.

 

Thoroughly wash exposed skin with soap and water.

 

If your skin reacts to the sap, seek medical attention.

 

If the sap comes into contact with your eyes, seek immediate medical attention since the sap can cause temporary or permanent blindness.

 

http://www.canadiangardening.com/how-to/pests-and-diseases/beware-of-giant-hogweed/a/31773

 

http://www.canadiangardening.com/how-to/pests-and-diseases/beware-of-giant-hogweed/a/31773/2

 

B.

[knowschad]

Did you guys know that even domestic turnips cause the same rash? Apparently farmers have known about this forever. Its just being sensationalized by the media these days.

 

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/leaves-turnips-parsnips-poison-85632.html

 

Parsnips

Juice and sap from parsnip leaves and stalks can cause a rash or skin blistering when the skin is also exposed to direct sunlight. Contact with parsnip leaves may also cause a skin discoloration that may last several months, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society.

 

[Pup Patrol]

http://www.invadingspecies.com/invaders/plants-terrestrial/wild-parsnip/

 

The problem with wild hogweed and wild parsnip is that they are spreading into areas that people frequent, like parks and trails. And into backyards, where people don't realize that these are dangerous plants to handle.

 

B.

Edited July 18, 2015 by Pup Patrol

[+.Flo.]

Not only in the UK - it can be found in large areas of continental Europe as well, especially in central Europe.

[+NeverSummer]

Around Alaska many call it "pooshki" or "pushki", a Russian-influenced colloquialism for cow parsnip or, in the UK, hogweed. It isn't Queen Anne's Lace at all.

 

Get the sap on your skin and expose to sunlight, and you've got a nasty rash...yup. Been there, done that.

 

At least I didn't decide to weed whip it like an unknowing guy in town did, and awoke to find the whole of his face, arms, and legs covered in a rupturing painful and itchy rash.

[ATMouse]

These things grow to monsters, higher than my head. Everything of it is toxic. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

[+Ambrosia]

I was at a cache this weekend, and realized that there was Devil's Club everywhere. Not as bad as Giant Hogweed, but it made me nervous. Thought of this thread, and took a picture to share.