Wicked wild parsnip warning ENVIRONEMENT * ENVIRONMENT
editionap.ca
VISION@EAP.ON.CA PRESCOTT-RUSSELL
It’s called wild parsnip but it is not some- thing to put on the dinner table. The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) warns residents in the Five Counties region to be careful if they spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer. Wild pars- nip is becoming more common in Eastern Ontario as an infestation of the toxic plant continues to spread throughout the region with the start of another summer. Wild parsnip is also known as “poison parsnip” because of the chemical composi- tion of its sap. Some people may be more sensitive than others to the effects of wild parsnip sap. When the plant’s stem is broken and the sap spurts out or if a person’s bare skin brushes against a damaged plant which is still leaking sap, the chemicals in the juice will cause a severe rash, blistering or even chemical burns intense enough to leave behind brown scars that can last for several years after exposure. If the sap gets into a person’s eyes, it can cause temporary or even permanent blindness. Wild parsnip grows to a height of be- tween 50 to 150 centimetres and the flowering plant has five yellow petals that form an umbrella-shaped head atop the stem. Leaves are branched and have a saw- toothed edge.
The plant most often grows in roadside ditches, along railway right-of-ways, or other sites where the ground has been dis- turbed. It may sprout up through cracks in parking lot pavement, or be found growing around or near sports and recreation fields, in pastures, along fence rows, or near resi- dential yards. The usual time of year for wild parsnip is July to September. The best way to prevent harm from wild parsnip is to avoid contact. But if it appears in a garden, pasture, or yard, immediate re-
moval is necessary to avoid infestation. When removing wild parsnip, wear pro- tective clothing. That includes coveralls with rubber boots and rubber gloves that are wrapped closed at their openings to prevent any sap or other part of the plant from falling into the boot or glove. Wear goggles to protect the eyes and a heavy scarf to cover the lower face. Best method of dealing with the plant is to mow it down before it flowers during the period from late June to early July. Other-
wise be careful when uprooting the plant to avoid sap splashing onto exposed skin. After removing and disposing of wild parsnip by burning, wash all clothing right away. Scrub boots and gloves with soap and water first, using a stiff scrub brush, before taking them off. Wash and dry cov- eralls separately from any other clothing or dispose of the coveralls in the trash if uncer- tain about their condition. For more information phone the EOHU at 1-800-267-7120 or go to www.eohu.ca.
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