Method for Rescuing from Araceae Poisoning
As a common indoor foliage plant, the Araceae is popular for its elegant form. However, many people are unaware that the white juice in its stems and leaves contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause poisoning if touched or ingested accidentally. This article will provide a comprehensive analysis from the principles of toxicity to emergency treatment to help you establish a scientific awareness of protection.
Mechanism of Araceae Toxicity
Analysis of Plant Toxin Composition
The stem juice contains 0.1%-0.3% calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mechanical irritation when in contact with mucous membranes. The water droplets that fall from the leaves may carry dissolved toxins, with the highest risk of children licking them accidentally.
Process of Toxicity
Burning sensation occurs within 30 minutes of contact, and calcium oxalate binds with tissue proteins, causing inflammatory reactions. Statistics show that 78% of poisoning cases occur during pruning or transplantation.
Graded Identification of Poisoning Symptoms
Skin Contact Reactions
Mild: Erythema and itching at the contact site for 2-4 hours; Severe: Blister formation requiring 7-10 days to heal. Allergic individuals may develop contact dermatitis.
Characteristics of Eye Damage
Conjunctival hyperemia and constant tearing are early signs. If not treated promptly, it may cause corneal epithelial abrasion, with 19% of ophthalmology cases resulting in temporary blurred vision.
Progression of Poisoning from Ingestion
Oral burning sensation → difficulty swallowing → glottis edema in three stages. In severe cases, a decrease in blood calcium levels may trigger arrhythmias.
Five-Step Emergency Treatment Protocol
Handling Skin Contact
Immediately rinse with running water for 15 minutes, followed by wetting with a 3% boric acid solution. Record the time of contact and observe for symptom changes within 6 hours.
Emergency Eye Treatment
Keep the eyelids open and rinse for 20 minutes, use pH test strips to check the pH of the rinsed fluid until it returns to neutral. Avoid rubbing to worsen mechanical damage.
Treatment Process for Ingestion
Immediately gargle with milk (calcium ions neutralize oxalic acid), and swallow activated charcoal to absorb toxins. Even with mild symptoms, it is necessary to stay in the hospital for observation for 24 hours to prevent delayed喉头水肿.
Medical Adjunctive Measures
The emergency department commonly uses 10% calcium gluconate intravenous injection, combined with antihistamines to control inflammatory reactions. Severe patients require cardiac monitoring.
Preventive Maintenance Suggestions
Through scientific understanding and standardized operations, one can enjoy the ornamental value of the Araceae while effectively avoiding the risk of poisoning. It is recommended to keep a 3% boric acid solution and a physiological saline emergency pack at home and to regularly attend community plant safety knowledge lectures to build a dual protection system.