Common backyard plant that can alter your DNA when touched is spreading across the US

[Elderberry]

Daily Mail By Ellyn Lapointe 8/7/2024

You wouldn't know from looking at it, but this pretty flowering plant is so dangerous it can cause severe burns and even alter your DNA.

New York officials have sounded the alarm about the invasive Giant Hogweed that is taking hold throughout the state, but it is becoming widespread across the nation.

Giant Hogweed can grow to be 10 to 20 feet tall, has spiky leaves and blooms white flowers during the summer, but contains toxins that can cause painful blisters.

The sap also contains a substance that can bind to DNA in the skin's cells when exposed to ultraviolet, destroying the body's DNA molecules.



Giant Hogweed can grow to be 10 to 20 feet tall, has spiky leaves and blooms white flowers during the summer, but contains toxins that can cause painful blisters

Giant hogweed is one of a very few North American invasive plants that can cause human health impacts as well as ecological damage, causing a significant reaction when humans come in direct contact with the plant.

The first sign of photodermatitis, a skin condition that causes inflammation after exposure to too much ultraviolet (UV), appears as redness in the skin, which can also be itchy.

Within 24 hours, burn-like lesions form, followed by large, fluid filled blisters within 48 hours.

The initial irritation typically disputes within a few days, but the affected areas may feel more sensitive when exposed to UV light.

But those with very sensitive skin may need to be hospitalized after the exposure.

Even after the burns heal, they may leave behind purplish scars that last for years.   

Giant Hogweed sap contains toxins that cause phytophotodermatitis, which means that they heighten the skin's sensitivity to sunlight.

It was first introduced to the US when it was planted in a New York City garden in 1917.

Since then, it's spread throughout the  Northeast, the Great Lakes Region, and in Washington and Oregon.



The plant has established itself in several states, including Connecticut, Washington DC, Illinois,
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin

More: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13716137/backyard-giant-hogweed-alter-DNA-touched.html

[Free Vulcan]

Hogweed is no joke, it's killed people that got too much of it on them.

[mountaineer]

Wow. Better be on the lookout.

[libertybele]

 

[Kamaji]

Where's it originally come from?

[MeganC]

I notice that even giant hogweed has the sense to stay out of California.

[Smokin Joe]

I notice that even giant hogweed has the sense to stay out of California.

Still, it seems to have a predominantly blue state distribution, including the more leftist provinces of Canada.

[Cyber Liberty]

It doesn't look like it's heat-tolerant.  Another advantage to my being a Desert Rat,  I suppose....

[IsailedawayfromFR]

Where's it originally come from?

The shoes and clothing of illegals

[Free Vulcan]

Where's it originally come from?

I think Britain.

[deb]

Herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr can be helpful in eradicating giant hogweed. I apply these chemicals directly to the foliage or cut stems, ensuring it penetrates the plant’s system to prevent regrowth. It may require multiple applications throughout the season, and always follow the label instructions when handling toxic substances.

https://www.evergreenseeds.com/how-to-get-rid-of-giant-hogweed/#Chemical_Methods