A harmful plant that causes skin irritation due to toxicity is quickly proliferating across various areas. Tennessee , as authorities warn inhabitants about the growing threat.
Poison hemlock is spreading alongside roads, climbing fences, and appearing in fields, posing risks to both humans and animals, according to warnings issued by officials from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
Formally known as Conium maculatum , all parts of the purple-spotted stemmed plant are 'extremely poisonous,' according to the department’s statement dated May 8. The statement also warned that ‘even coming into contact with it or breathing in dust when cutting can pose risks.’
The symptoms of poisoning in people encompass shaky nerves, dilated pupils, a feeble heartbeat, seizures, and stools with blood, as reported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Severe exposure to this plant can result in kidney failure, muscle paralysis, comas, or even death, as stated by the Cleveland Clinic.
People seldom experience a rash when coming into contact with the invasive species, but individuals with delicate skin might develop dermatitis.
"Poison hemlock is different from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac," according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Even though experts advise against ever touching the plant, it generally becomes lethal only when ingested. The USDA stated that it is "highly toxic" to humans.
There is no antidote for Conium maculatum poisoning; doctors can only strive to manage the symptoms.
The USDA stated that consuming the plant often leads to death. specifically among animals , which may lead to death due to respiratory failure less than two hours after consuming even a tiny quantity.
Cows, pigs, sheep, and horses are among the most frequently impacted animals.
Animal fetuses can be endangered as well if their parent encounters the plant.
The department stated, 'Deformations such as skeletal abnormalities or cleft palates can occur in the young ones of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs if their mothers consume poison-hemlock while pregnant.'
'Keep away from it and NEVER cut or set fire to it,' the Tennessee Department of Agriculture urgently cautioned.
Should anyone think that poison hemlock is present on their land, they ought to attempt removal only while using protective gloves.
Individuals ought to reach out to their nearby agricultural bureau for help as well.
Poison hemlock belongs to the carrot family; however, unlike its edible relative, it is toxic and dangerous to consume.
This plant spreads throughout the United States during the early spring season and follows a biennial lifecycle, as stated by the USDA.
Conium maculatum typically grows between four to 10 feet in height and produces delicate white bunches of flowers along with parsley-like green foliage.
Actually, the hemlock was initially introduced to America from Europe due to its 'beautiful blooms,' as stated by the USDA.
However, experts stated that the threatening plants are set to bloom in Tennessee, yet individuals should not be deceived by the seemingly harmless flowers.
Recently, there haven't been any unintentional cases of hemlock poisoning. However, back in 2017, a person deliberately injected themselves with the poisonous plant, as reported. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
The 30-year-old man had a history of schizoaffective disorder and was rushed to the emergency room while he was having a heart attack.
It was later revealed he was seemingly trying to kill himself, and a syringe of an unknown substance was found on the scene.
'This was presumed to be poison hemlock,' the NLM wrote.
'This liquid was found to contain coniine, N-methylconiine, and conhydrine, the main alkaloids in poison hemlock, via high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy.
Following a prolonged period in rehab, the patient still experienced slight cognitive impairments and heightened sexual activity; however, significant progress was noted post-discharge.
In 2013, a woman from Washington allegedly passed away after including hemlock in her salad; this was what investigators thought back then.
Sakha Keo, aged 55, seemingly consumed the toxic plant erroneously and subsequently passed away. This was reported by Annie Waisanen, a Pierce County medical examiner. King 5 .
The Greek philosopher Socrates is thought to have passed away after ingesting poison hemlock, as reported. NLM .
It has been recorded that during his final days, he suffered from 'gradual inward-directed paralysis.'
Read more