DO YOU KNOW THE TOXIC INDOOR PLANTS

Plants have numerous benefits for nature, humans and animals. In addition to these benefits, some plants like toxic indoor plants may have harmful effects on humans and animals due to the concentration of active substances. The main thing to be considered is that the plants used indoors emit carbon dioxide to the environment they are in. Another feature of plants that can be dangerous is that they contain too much toxic organic compounds. In the structures of plants such as leaves, stems and roots; alkaloid, essential oil, toxic amino acids, glycosides, resin components, saponin and terpenes etc. content can be found. These active substances can have toxic effects on living things. For this reason, it should be investigated whether the plants used indoors have dangerous properties.

So, how do these plants, which we describe as dangerous, show symptoms on humans? Itching, redness and irritation on the skin, vomiting, diarrhea, burning, stomach ailments, poisoning, etc. effects may occur. According to the Amerikan Association of Poison Control Centers Report indoor plant species where poisoning cases are most observed are Spathiphyllum sp., Caladium sp., Philodendron sp., Zantedeschia aethiopica, Epipremnum aureum.

Spathiphyllum sp. (Peace lily)

It should not be consumed as the leaves contain toxic substances. Its leaves and flowers are irritating to sensitive skin.

Caladium sp. (Angel wings, Elephant ears)

The shoots, leaves, roots and tubers of the plant are poisonous and should not be consumed. The leaves cause irritation to sensitive skin. It is necessary to keep children and pets away from this plant.

Philodendron sp.

It should not be consumed as it contains toxic substances in its leaves. Keep away from children and pets. Use gloves when you need to prune.

Zantedeschia aethiopica (Growing calla lilies)

All organs of the plant, namely flowers, branches, shoots, leaves and roots are poisonous. It should not be consumed by living things.

Epipremnum aureum (Pothos, Devil’s vine, Ceylon creeper, taro vine, ivy arum, silver vine, Solomon Islands ivy)

All organs of the plant, namely flowers, branches, shoots, leaves and roots are poisonous. It should not be consumed by living things.

Dieffenbachia camilla (Dumb cane, leopard lily)

They should never be kept in bedrooms, as they release high rates of toxic gas into the environment they are in. At the same time, the root and stem of the plant can poison if eaten by living things.

Sansevieria sp. (Snake plant)

It should not be consumed because its leaves contain toxic chemicals, and should be kept away from children and animals.

Monstera deliciosa

Care should be taken as the leaves and stems contain a white liquid toxic substance. Leaves cause skin irritation. In case of consumption, urgent intervention is required.

Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia)

The flower stalks contain poisonous plant sap. This juice causes skin irritations.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant, zuzu plant, eternity plant, aroid palm, Zanzibar gem)

All parts of the plant are poisonous. It is toxic if consumed. It also causes irritation on sensitive skin. Use gloves when pruning.

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