Giant Hogweed May Cause Burns, Blindness

HealthDay  (7/7) reported, “Experts are urging residents of several states to beware of the ‘giant hogweed,’ a tall plant native to Central Asia with umbrella-size flowers containing toxic sap that can cause burns, blisters and, in some cases, even blindness.” The plant, whose botanical name is Heracleum Mantegazzianum, “is already a concern in the Northeast and spreading fast.” The plant’s “sap contains a photosensitizing chemical that accelerates sun damage and can result in a serious sunburn,” a reaction that can be made worse by perspiration.