Warnings should be posted

9 years ago

I friend of mine who has been planting and trasnplanting cactus for many year with no problems had a severe reaction exactly like the first posting and the pain was excruciating. She was NOT exaggerating. An ER doc and two eye specialists had never heard of this problem with cactus. They were able to find it on the net and are going over it with their residents immediately. He has severe damage to his cornea, which hopefully with heal with aggressive and supportive medication and the help of a cornea specialist.

AT A MINIMUM, there should be a posting on these plants anywhere they are sold warning of the dangers, like there is on a cigarette package. To my knowledge, Home Depot and Lowes, where these plants are regularly sold have never posted any warnings.

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Comments (4)

Dzitmoidonc
9 years ago
Late to the party here. Can you provide a link or say what the cactus did? Was it a Euphorbia problem with sap? Or a glochid problem with Opuntias?
greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
9 years ago
Sounds like it wasn't a Cactus, but Euphorbia....of course, with so little information, who can know for sure.

Josh
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jenufa
9 years ago
A few months ago, I bought a Euphorbia anoplia (zipper plant) without being aware of its dangers (not sure from where, but my main suppliers are HD, WalMart and OSH). The label on the plastic pot did say that if the sap gets on the skin, immediately wash with soap and water. No mention of avoiding contact with the eyes. I ended up giving it away, since I have resident pets and visiting children. I agree that the warning should be stronger, especially if there's a serious risk to the eyes.

This post was edited by jenufa on Sun, Sep 28, 14 at 19:05
Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6
9 years ago
I think it affects people differently. I had never had a problem myself. Lots of sap on my hands when cutting them or rerooting them. Still no problem. But and a big But, I was pulling out some spurge weeds which are in the Euphorbia family. After washing my hands and much latter on in the day, I wipped my eye and all hell broke out. Seems both eyes were burning like mad and at first I forgot about the weeding. Well I jumped in the shower and washed my eyes out with Head n Sholders. It worked. Eyes burned very litter but was able to see and fuction ok. So now I am a beleaver. WATCH OUT FOR THAT SAP.