There are surprisingly large numbers of poisonous plants. The best rule is to each your children never to such or eat anything unless given to them by their parents or by other adults whom they know. Most of the poisonous plants listed below are unpleasant to eat and so are difficult to consume in large enough quantities to be harmful but even so — play safe with children.
Older children can be taught which plants are dangerous but even they should be taught not to eat anything.
Should your child swallow anything but the smallest amount of any of these plants, get medical help but do not panic.
Some common examples :
Aconite (all of the plant)
Broom (seeds and pods)
Bryony (berries)
Daffodil and narcissus bulbs
Daphne (berries)
Deadly nightshade (berries)
Hemlock (young leaves and unripe fruit)
Honeysuckle (berries) Laburnum (seeds and pods) Laurel (leaves and berries) Lupin (seeds and ponds) Potato (fruits and green tubers) Pyracantha (berries) Rhubarb (leaves) Yew (berries)
Agricultural poisons absorbed through the skin
There are so many chemicals used today in agriculture that it is difficult to generalise about them. The disturbing thing is that many of them are now available for the domestic market and so can present as a hazard even if you live in a city. As the symptoms are so variable it makes sense to say :
If you ever get any strange feelings after using pesticides, weed¬killers or fertilisers, do not neglect them. Early, vague symptoms can quickly change into serious ones, so do not delay.
Some of these poisons affect breathing, some others nerve conduction and many are absorbed through the skin or the lungs.
What to do
1. Stop the person using the chemical.
2. Remove him gently from the area.
3. Remove contaminated clothing.
4. Wash exposed areas of the skin (preferably using rubber gloves yourself).
5. Give artificial respiration if breathing has stopped.
6. Look at the container for suggested remedies. As a precaution, wear gloves when handling chemical container and send it to the hospital with the person.
7. If the victim is sweating a lot and is hot, fan him and sponge with tepid water.