Sources: Ward S. Upham, 785-532-1438, wupham@oznet.ksu.edu; Fred W. Oehme, 785-532-4334, oehme@k-state.edu

K-STATE EXPERTS SAY COLD WEATHER, HOLIDAYS INCREASE NEED TO BE CAUTIOUS OF POISONS TO KEEP CHILDREN AND PETS SAFE

MANHATTAN -- While enjoying the festivities of the holidays, Kansas State University experts say it's important to be aware of poisonous plants and other household items common during the holiday season.

Ward Upham, instructor of horticulture, forestry and recreation, and Fred Oehme, professor of toxicology and pathobiology and director of K-State's comparative toxicology laboratories in the department of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, say there are several holiday plants given as gifts or used as decorations that are potentially dangerous for children or pets, including mistletoe, poinsettias and holly.

"Poinsettias are often thought of as one of the most dangerous holiday plants, but research has found that a 50-pound child would have to eat 500 to 600 leaves to be affected," Upham said. "The berries on mistletoe are more of a threat and can be fatal if enough are eaten."

Although poinsettias may not be fatal, they can cause allergic reactions, stomach discomfort and nausea. Mistletoe berries contain two toxic agents that could potentially cause acute stomach and intestinal irritation, cardiovascular collapse and even death. Holly berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stupor if eaten.

Plants posing potential danger if given as gifts include Abrus precatorius, star of Bethlehem and Easter and tiger lilies. Easter and tiger lilies can cause renal and kidney damage and the star of Bethlehem may cause heart problems.

"The seeds from Abrus precatorius are often used in jewelry, particularly as rosary beads, which are often given as gifts," Oehme said. "The seeds are very decorative and colorful, but if a child or pet was to chew on them and break the coating, the inside is very toxic."

Two common potentially dangerous house plants are dumbcane and philodendron; both may cause intense burning and irritation of the mouth and tongue. Death can occur if the tongue swells enough to block air passage, Upham said.

Oehme said other poisonous plants to be aware of include mums, lily of the valley, hyacinth, peace lilies and daffodils. Lily of the valley and hyacinth may cause gastrointestinal distress and peace lilies may cause the throat and mouth to swell, blocking the airway.

"These are potted plants that are usually kept outdoors, but are often brought indoors during the cold winter months," Upham said.

Rhododendron is an outdoor evergreen plant that stays green during winter months and can cause gastrointestinal distress and excessive drooling if swallowed.

"Rhododendron is potentially dangerous for children and pets," Oehme said.

Other poisons present during the holiday season are common household items.

Cigarette butts are potentially dangerous to children or pets if eaten. Because cigarette butts have a higher concentration of nicotine, five can potentially give a child or pet nicotine poisoning. Cigarette butts are especially dangerous when a large group of people is smoking and leaving the butts in ashtrays in reach of children or pets, Oehme said.

"Preparation and cleaning are often associated with the holiday season, especially if you are the host," Oehme said." Products such as dishwashing detergent and cleaning products can be very dangerous if left where children or pets can get into them.

"If people are at home for the holidays, they often want to catch up on work around the house. Antifreeze from flushing a car's cooling system or mothballs from organizing storage items are also dangerous household poisons."

Winter 2002

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