Giant Hogweed, a dangerous invasive plant, look like a tall Baby's Breath type of plant, but can cause dangerous, painful skin damage
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a VERY LARGE, invasive plant that can cause painful burns and scarring. Brushing against or breaking the plant releases sap that, combined with sunlight and moisture, can cause a severe burn within 24 to 48 hours. Giant hogweed is a Federally listed noxious weed and NYS law prohibits its possession with the intent to sell, import, purchase, transport, introduce or propagate.
How Giant Hogweed Causes Burns
(SOURCE: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation)
Progression of a burn from giant hogweed
All parts of the giant hogweed plant contain toxic sap that prevents your skin from protecting itself from sunlight.
The sap contains harmful chemicals called furanocoumarins that when combined with sunlight can cause phytophotodermatitis; a serious skin inflammation.
Heat and moisture (sweat or dew) can worsen the skin reaction.
The reaction can begin as soon as 15 minutes after getting sap on your skin and can result in painful blisters that form within 48 hours and become dark and pigmented.
Lasting impact of giant hogweed burns may include scars that last up to six years (though typically only last a few months) and long-term sensitivity to sunlight.
Take Precautions When Working Near Giant Hogweed
Do not touch the plant with bare skin. The photosensitizing chemicals are present in all parts of the plant and burns can result from even lightly brushing against the foliage, stem, flower, or seed.
Apply sunblock and wear long, waterproof gloves; long sleeves; pants; boots; and eye protection when working near or with giant hogweed. When possible, wear synthetic water-resistant materials (e.g., dishwashing gloves, a rain suit or TyvekTM suit, and rubber boots).
Keep water, soap, and eyewash near your work area in case of exposure to sap.
Maintain distance from others when controlling giant hogweed as sap can splash three to four feet when plants are cut or damaged. To avoid increased exposure to sap, DO NOT use a “weed-whacker” or brush cutter.
When removing contaminated protective gear and work clothes, take care not to touch your skin.
Wash equipment with soap and water and launder work clothes.
If you cannot shower immediately after performing control activities, wash as best as you can on site and take a full shower as soon as possible, then limit your exposure to sunlight for the rest of the day.
Additional precautions: consider wearing a face shield to protect against touching your face with sap-covered gloves, work after sunset or when the work area is shaded to limit sun exposure.
What to Do if You Come in Contact With Giant Hogweed
Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible;
Keep exposed area covered and protected from sunlight for 48 hours;
See a physician if you have a reaction or any questions;
If a reaction occurs, topical steroids applied early can reduce the severity of the reaction and ease discomfort;
If sap goes in eyes, rinse them with water, wear sunglasses or cover your eyes, and seek medical care; and
If a reaction has occurred, it is important to protect the skin from the sun until it is fully healed, which can take several years. Protect skin by applying sun block or cover the affected area when possible.
Giant Hogweed can cause third-degree burns -- and it's all over New York - New York Post