What are the dangers of giant hogweed.?

Question

What are the dangers of giant hogweed.?

Answer 1

I like weed.

Answer 2

Giant Hogweed is a phototoxic plant.

Its sap can cause photodermatitis ie severe skin inflammations when the skin is exposed to sunlight or to UV-rays. Initially the skin colours red and starts itching. Then blisters form as in burns within 48 hours. They form black or purplish scars, which can last several years. Hospitalisation may become necessary.

Presence of minute amounts of sap in the eyes, can lead to temporary or even permanent blindness. These reactions are caused by the presence of linear derivatives of furocoumarin in its leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds. These chemicals can get into the nucleus of the epithelial cells, forming a bond with the DNA, causing the cells to die

Answer 3

Giant Hogweed is originally from Asia and was introduced as an ornamental. It is similar in appearance to our native cow parsnip, only it is much larger and the hairs on the under surface of the leaf are shorter (about .25 mm long). A public health hazard, hogweed's clear, watery sap has toxins that cause photo-dermatitis. Skin contact followed by exposure to sunlight produces painful, burning blisters that may develop into purplish or blackened scars.