Poisonous plants as a source of danger in the home and garden

They are often beautiful and decorate our homes and gardens - poisonous plants, bushes and berries. Usually harmless to animals, but often life-threatening to humans.

Poisonous plants as a source of danger in the home and garden

According to studies, poisonous accidents caused by plants and berries are the third most common. This frightening fact should alarm parents and make them ensure that they learn more about the topic of poisonous plants before a tragic accident occurs.

Poisonous plants pose a danger, especially for children — White Christmas rose – poisonous plants as a danger especially for children

Since children are naturally curious and like to touch and put in their mouths everything that is new and looks tempting, it is incredibly important for parents to always know where the child is and what he or she is putting in his or her mouth.

Particularly in freely accessible green spaces such as playgrounds and parks, where children also like to spend time, the dangers often lie in the bushes. Parents should not leave their children unsupervised here and it is best to take a closer look at the area beforehand and explain to the children directly about the relevant plants.

Basically, almost all plants in the house and garden are not suitable for consumption

Not all plants cause severe poisoning, but even small amounts are enough to cause vomiting and diarrhea. Some plants also contain poisons that can have unpleasant effects on the skin just by touching them and can cause minor burns, for example.

In the worst case, however, some plant poisons can lead to death, as children's bodies in particular do not yet have sufficient defense mechanisms to break down or excrete the poison in time.

To avoid this, parents should avoid all kinds of poisonous ornamental plants and shrubs in their own home for the sake of their children.

Research on the Internet or books on the specification

If parents are not entirely sure which of the garden plants or potted plants in their own environment can really cause damage, they should get a guide from a bookstore. Or do some research on the Internet and use pictures and descriptions to go through their own plant stock and remove any poisonous plants immediately.

Anyone planning their own garden should avoid all plants and shrubs that are on the list of poisonous plants right from the start.

Involve children in gardening

It can also be helpful to do gardening with children, provided they are old enough to understand the reasons. Parents can then explain the dangers to their children directly and show them the plants that are most dangerous. This also strengthens the children's confidence and gives them a different awareness of nature and plants.

In guidebooks, the typical poisonous plants and possible consequences are always described in great detail and illustrated with pictures. These books are often available in child-friendly versions, which help children to understand in a playful way that many of the colorful and tempting-looking fruits and flowers are reserved for the animal world.

Educating children in good time can prevent many accidents caused by poisoning and save lives. Children should be able to explore the world without fear, but also learn that there can be dangers in everything unknown.

Conclusion what to do

Anyone who has small children or is planning to have children should definitely familiarize themselves with the topic of poisonous plants, side effects and correct first aid measures beforehand in order to be able to act correctly in the worst case scenario. If the child accidentally ingests something poisonous, medical treatment is essential. The most important thing is to always have the number of the poison control center with you. In this case, it is also helpful to know which plant the child has ingested, because this way the parents can take the right measures on the spot before an ambulance arrives.