Be careful with oleander
(Baonghean.vn) Oleander is a type of tree chosen to be planted as an ornamental plant. In Vinh City, there are many oleander trees planted on the median strip of Lenin Avenue, the road along Lam River, Cua Bac Park...
According to many research documents (Wikipedia...), all parts of the oleander plant contain toxins, the most significant of which are oleandrin and neriin in the sap. In addition, the toxicity of oleander leaves is no less than that of aconite leaves. Eating just one oleander leaf can cause death in children, and eating about 10-20 leaves in adults is also life-threatening.
Oleander trees are planted a lot on the median strip of Lenin Avenue (Vinh City)
In addition, inhaling smoke from burning oleander plants, using oleander branches to pick teeth, drinking water from fallen oleander flowers and leaves can also cause poisoning. People poisoned by oleander may have some symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, arrhythmia, lethargy, trembling limbs, coma and can lead to death. Oleander resin on the skin can also cause inflammation and burning, redness and swelling, and if it gets into the eyes it can cause corneal ulcers...
In Ho Chi Minh City, oleander is at the top of the list of extremely poisonous plants that the City People's Committee has banned from planting on the streets. In Vinh City, at Cua Bac Park, many children still innocently play with oleander plants, some even pick flowers to play with. The dangerous thing is that most people when asked do not know about the toxicity of oleander.
Mr. Phan Xuan Bao, Director of Vinh City Parks and Greenery Joint Stock Company, said: "I have only heard the news that oleander is a poisonous plant that can cause death through the press. Currently, we have not received any official document on the results of research on toxins in oleander." According to Mr. Bao, the selection of oleander to plant on roads and parks is done by design consulting companies, the company is only responsible for managing, protecting and maintaining the status quo.
"Oleophora trees have been planted in Vinh City since the 70s and 80s of the last century. Up to now, no one in the company has been poisoned by oleander trees, even though they regularly prune, dig, and carry trees...", Mr. Bao added. When asked about measures to limit the impact of oleander trees on humans, Mr. Bao emphasized: "When there is an official document assessing the toxicity of oleander trees, we will advise the city to reduce planting this tree on the streets and near residential areas."
- In all cases of ingestion of oleander, the victim must be taken to the hospital immediately. Inducing vomiting and gastric lavage are necessary protective measures to reduce the absorption of toxic compounds.
BSNguyen Thi Anh Dao(University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City)
- Note, the poison of oleander is not destroyed when boiled or dried. Do not plant oleander near water sources (wells, water tanks...) because fallen oleander leaves and flowers contaminate the water.
PhysicianDinh Cong Bay(General Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Medicinal Materials Association)
Pham Bang
