"Just touching it destroys human DNA"... Authorities are on high alert due to the 'monster plant'

Oh.. it's scary.

There probably aren't any around us, right?

I looked at it once more..

Those going on overseas trips, please absolutely do not get infected.

 

A patient experiencing blister symptoms after exposure to giant hogweed. Stock photo.

 

A dangerous plant that destroys human DNA (genetic material) just by touching it is spreading across New York, and authorities have issued a warning.

According to local media reports such as the New York Post on the 4th (local time), the toxic plant called Giant Hogweed (hereafter Hogweed) causes severe burns, blisters, rashes, and vomiting symptoms when ingested or touched.

There was a case three years ago where a dog walking with its owner ate an Oggweed and went into anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is an extreme allergic reaction to a specific substance, where even a small amount of the substance can cause severe allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, seizures, coughing, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.

Hogweed is known to be deadly not only to animals but also to humans. First, the sap of hogweed blocks the skin's ability to protect itself from harmful sunlight. As a result, in extreme cases, it can cause third-degree burns and blindness, and these symptoms can last for months or even years.

In particular, toxins from hogweed sap can enter skin cells and react with sunlight, destroying the DNA molecules of skin cells. This is why hogweed is more dangerous during hot summer days.

A woman in her twenties who was exposed to this plant in the past in the UK once said, "It hurt like putting my hand in boiling water."

Experts agree that as soon as contact with this plant occurs, the affected area should be washed with soap and water, and people with sensitive skin may develop blistering symptoms after contact with the plant, potentially requiring hospitalization.

Recently, New York State authorities issued a warning that Hogweed is widespread in New York and should be approached with caution. In the early 1900s, Hogweed was officially sold in New York, and it is believed that the population increased during that time.

New York State authorities explained that up to 100,000 seeds can be produced from a single Hoggweed plant, and that it is highly invasive and difficult to control.

Ultimately, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) started a project to eliminate hogweed in 2008, but it has been confirmed that hogweed still inhabits about 1,000 locations in New York.

DEC emphasized that anyone who has seen or come into contact with Hogweed must report it to the authorities so that the Hogweed can be removed from the area, and that they should never attempt to remove it themselves.

 

<Source: Now News>