For Immediate Release

Contact: John M. Martino
Phone Number:  (215) 895-1186
Date: 12/19/01

Holiday Plants Can Be Dangerous To
Babies And Pets

-- A University of the Sciences in Philadelphia Health Tip --

Christmas is just around the corner, and many individuals are getting in the yuletide spirit by decorating their houses with festive lights, ornaments and collectibles.  They also spruce up their households with an assortment of plants, wreaths and flowers.  Though most of these plants are safe, some can be dangerous if they come in contact with the mouths of small children and pets, according to Dr. Ara DerMarderosian, director of the Complementary and Alternative Medicines Institute at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.  He says the most common seasonal plants that are poisonous include poinsettias, Christmas or Jerusalem cherry plants, mistletoe and yew bushes.

"Many holiday plants are, indeed, safe, but people who have small babies or pets should be concerned about the plants they bring home," says Dr. DerMarderosian.  "If they buy a plant that is poisonous, and their child or pet puts the leaves in their mouths, it could be a hazardous situation.  That is why people need to know the types of plants they are buying and whether they are poisonous or not."

Dr. DerMarderosian suggests people to keep the tags of the plants nearby in case they need to identify the plants to a poison control operator.  He also says they need to sweep and discard any leaves that fall on the floor.

"Christmas is a fun and joyful time, and people want to decorate their houses in festive ways," says Dr. DerMarderosian.  "But safety needs to come first, and the more they know about their plants, the safer their children and pets will be." 

To arrange an interview with Dr. DerMarderosian, contact John M. Martino at (215) 895-1186 or e-mail: j.martin@usip.edu.

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