A NATIONAL trade body has issued a warning about an invasive plant which takes hold over the summer months and can be a serious danger to public health. 

According to the Property Care Association (PCA), the sap of giant hogweed is extremely toxic to skin in sunlight and associated injuries are more frequent during the month of August.

Peter Fitzsimons, PCA’s invasive weed group technical manager, said: “Each year we urge people to stay away from this plant and not allow its toxic sap to come into contact with skin in the sunlight.”

If the sap comes in to contact with the skin it can cause severe discomfort and blistering and in some cases this can be so severe that urgent medical attention is required. 

He added: “The matter is made particularly serious as this can become a long-term condition, which can recur over a period of years when skin is exposed to sunlight.”

The sap can also be transferred via touch, so it can possibly affect somebody else through clothing and footwear.