In autumn it often comes to poisoning in infants

BfR warns against poisoning of infants by plant parts
Especially in autumn, infants are particularly at risk from poisoning by the accidental ingestion of toxic flowers, seeds or fruits, warns the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in a recent release. This is evident from the numbers of reported poisoning cases. In principle, however, most child poisoning continues to be due to ingestion or contact with toxic (household) chemicals.

Although "the majority of poisoning reports are generally due to the handling of chemical products, about 10 percent of the cases are caused by poisonous plants or fungi"; reports the BfR. The evaluation of cases of poisoning from the years 2011 to 2013 shows that in such cases in autumn the risk is particularly high. Toddlers would ingest more toxic parts of plants during the autumn months. The reported poisoning cases are summarized in the leaflet "Medical Information on Poisoning 2011-2013".

Blue Iron Hat is considered the most poisonous plant in Europe. (Image: photo 5000 / fotolia.com)

More than 13,000 poisonings evaluated
All poisonings reported by physicians, hospitals and poison information centers to the BfR have been evaluated for the current brochure. A total of 13,225 poisonings occurred in the years 2011 to 2013, including exotic cases such as "Ciguatera poisoning after eating snapper fish fillets", reports the BfR. Also poisoning from allergic side effects after the sting of a tattoo and the handling of toxic substances in the workplace can be found in the report "Medical reports for poisoning". The leaflet also contains poisoning in connection with three of the most poisonous garden plants: Blue Ironhut, Angel Trumpet and Wunderbaum (Ricinus), reports the BfR.

Blue Eisenhut most poisonous plant in Europe
According to the BfR, the Blue Iron Hat is the most poisonous plant in Europe, with all plant parts containing the highly toxic Aconitin. "For adult humans, about two to six milligrams of pure aconitin are already deadly," reports the BfR. Even skin contact may show symptoms. Poisoning is relatively common, "because the tuber of the Eisenhuts be confused with celery or horseradish roots." Also, the leaves would land out of ignorance or because of a confusion with parsley in salads.

Even skin contact can already be dangerous
The angel trumpets with their conspicuously large, hanging trumpet flowers are also relatively common cause of poisoning, with equally all plant parts are poisonous here. "In the case of poisoning, the symptoms - especially confusion and loss of consciousness - can last up to two days," warns the BfR. Furthermore, the miraculous tree forms a particularly poisonous garden plant, where the capsule fruits contain bean-shaped seeds, which are often picked, the BfR reports. However, these ricinus seeds are highly toxic. "For a lethal intoxication with ricin in children already enough from a recording of three to five well chewed seeds," said the Federal Institute on. Not only the consumption, but also the skin contact with the seeds, especially with pierced seeds - as they are sometimes found on necklaces - could cause severe allergies. "Since the solid seed coat is pierced here, the toxins can get directly into the skin," the BfR said. Such jewelry should never come into the hands of children.

If there is any uncertainty as to whether a poisonous plant has been consumed or has been in contact, the call to one of the eight German poison control centers will continue to help, according to the BfR. In addition, the BfR app "Poisoning accidents in children" can provide information on first aid measures. (Fp)