Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an invasive herb in the carrot family which was originally brought to North America from Asia and has since become established in the New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Northwest regions of the United States. Giant hogweed grows along streams and rivers and in fields, forests, yards and roadsides, and a giant hogweed plant can reach 14 feet or more in height with compound leaves up to 5 feet in width.
Giant Hogweed sap contains toxic chemicals known as Furanocoumarins. When these chemicals come into contact with the skin and are exposed to sunlight, they cause a condition called Phytophotodermatitis, a reddening of the skin often followed by severe blistering and burns. These injuries can last for several months, and even after they have subsided the affected areas of skin can remain sensitive to light for years. Furanocoumarins are also carcinogenic and teratogenic, meaning they can cause cancer and birth defects. The sap can also cause temporary (or even permanent) blindness if introduced into the eyes.
If someone comes into physical contact with Giant Hogweed, the following steps should be taken:
Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and COLD water as soon as possible.
Keep the exposed area away from sunlight for 48 hours.
If Hogweed sap gets into the eyes, rinse them with water and wear sunglasses.
See a doctor if any sign of reaction sets in.
If a reaction occurs, the early application of topical steroids may lessen the severity of the reaction and ease the discomfort. The affected area of skin may remain sensitive to sunlight for a few years, so applying sun block and keeping the affected area shielded from the sun whenever possible are sensible precautions
PLEASE, DO NOT JUST READ AND SCROLL! THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AND POTENTIALLY LIFE-SAVING INFORMATION!!!
Extra note: if you live in Oregon, New Jersey, Michigan or New York and see one of these, call your state’s department of agriculture to report it, and trained professionals will come kill it before it can produce seeds and spread.
Frankly, if you see one in general, probably call your DOA and see if there’s a program in place.
Do not burn it, because the smoke will give you the same reaction.
If for some ungodly reason there isn’t a professional who can handle it for you (and please, please use a professional), the DOA of New York has [this guide] for how to deal with it yourself.
“ Unfortunately, the place where our first creative ideas go to die is the place that should be most open to them—school. Studies show that teachers overwhelmingly discriminate against creative students, favoring their satisfier classmates who more readily follow directions and do what they’re told. Even if children are lucky enough to have a teacher receptive to their ideas, standardized testing and other programs like No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top (a program whose very designation is opposed to nonlinear creative thinking) make sure children’s minds are not on the “wrong” path, even though adults’ accomplishments are linked far more strongly to their creativity than their IQ. It’s ironic that even as children are taught the accomplishments of the world’s most innovative minds, their own creativity is being squelched.
Beautiful summer night Oil on canvas 140x100cm 2014
Migraine? MSG Allergy? Insanity? This painting is gorgeous. For me,, personally, this is a perfect representation of the weird migraine-like headaches I get 2-20 times a day. Always in the occipital region of the skull also sometimes presented with pain in the temples. I don’t know why but eating MSG heavy foods greatly multiplies the frequency. How long do they last? Intense, kill.me.now pain last 30-45 seconds if, and only if, I bend over at the waist and get my skull below my heart otherwise I almost pass out from the pain. This is followed by severe nausea, fatigue, and a major headache for at least one hour and three to four hours of lessening of each symptom. I wish I could find a cure……..
This is Isha the hurrum monster. Hurrums are magical creatures with big bat-like ears and huge eyes. They always having a very bright coloured appearances and sometimes even glow in the dark! Usually hurrums are very curious and love to explore places, meet new friends, and they find humans very interesting and exiting to be around with.
20cm (8 inches) tall. Details are cast in resin and the body is soft (no joints or skeleton armature inside). He has some plastic pellets in his belly and tail tip to give him good balance and realistic weight.
Attention! This is a piece of art. Not a toy for small children. Completely handmade, one of a kind. SOLD.
Idk why but i am in love with this little guy! Just precious!
