The Giant Hogweed can grow up to a maximum of 12ft or up to 5m in height with clumps of white flowers
Parents are being warned to watch out for Giant Hogweed this summer due to the toxicity of its sap when exposed to sunshine.
The weather has been improving over the past few weeks with temperature highs of 25C alongside clear skies.
While that’s exactly what we want as we head into the height of summer, the sunlight’s reaction with a common weed in Ireland can prove very painful when it comes in contact with skin.
According to experts, if any part of the Giant Hogweed plant comes into contact with a person’s skin, it can cause severe blistering.
This weed is very commonly found around Ireland at this time of the year and it usually grows in areas that are quite sunny and have moist soil.
It is also found in bogs, fens, grasslands, woodland, urban, agricultural and horticultural areas.
Giant Hogweed can grow up to a maximum of 12ft or up to 5m in height with clumps of white flowers.
Biodiversity Ireland has recorded 1,506 plants across Ireland up to March 2023, but with the warmer conditions there is a chance more could begin to grow.
The people most at risk of a burn from this plant are:
- Children, who can play with the plant or use it for hiding
- Parents, who can come into contact with the sap by touching their children and contaminated clothing
- Horticulturalists
- Farmers
- Workers clearing brush
- People that live in or frequent areas where the plant grows
If sap comes into contact with your skin, you should:
- Remove sap as fast as possible with a paper towel, without rubbing. Avoid spreading sap on skin.
- Rinse area of skin affected with water and soap and wash your hands.
- Remove clothing and wash them to avoid contaminating other parts of your body or objects.
- Avoid exposing affected areas of your skin to natural or artificial light. Wear gloves, pants and a long-sleeve shirt for at least 48 hours. If you have burns, cover affected areas for a week.
- Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 for 6 months.
If giant hogweed sap goes into your eyes, you should:
- Rinse your eyes thoroughly with clear water for at least 10 minutes
- Wear sunglasses with dark lenses to avoid exposing your eyes to light
- See a doctor as soon as possible
- If you have burns on your skin
First-degree burns are superficial and generally do not require specific treatment. If you have pain:
- Take a bath in cool water
- Prepare compresses and soak them in water. Apply the compresses on your burns for 20 minutes, 4 to 6 times a day
