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Poinsettia Toxicity Myth
 The
poinsettia is the most widely tested consumer plant on the
market today, proving the myth about the popular holiday plant
to be false:
- Scientific research from The Ohio State University has
proved the poinsettia to be non-toxic to both humans and
pets. All parts of the plant were tested, including the
leaves and sap.
- According to POISINDEX, the national information center
for poison control centers, a child would have to ingest
500-600 leaves in order to exceed the experimental doses
that found no toxicity.
- A study by Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh and Carnegie
Mellon University found that out of 22,793 reported poinsettia
exposures there was essentially no toxicity significance
of any kind. The study used national data collected by the
American Association of Poison Control Centers.
- The
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that keeping this plant out of the reach of pets to avoid stomach upset is a good idea, however pet owners need not fear the poinsettia and banish it from their homes for fear of a fatal exposure.
- As with any non-food product, however, the poinsettia
is not meant to be eaten and can cause varying degrees of
discomfort; therefore, the plant should be kept out of the
reach of young children and curious pets.
Regarding the poinsettia and latex allergies: According to
the American
Latex Allergy Association, only about 1 percent to 6 percent
of the general population is allergic to latex, and "…
one would have to have significant contact with the poinsettia
plant's latex directly to have an allergic reaction …
only a small drop of latex that can be immediately wiped off
of the skin is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction."
History and Legend of the Poinsettia
Poinsettia Care Tips
Poinsettia Toxicity Myth
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