The Property Care Association is urging the public in Helensburgh to be cautious, after numerous recent reports of injury – including children.
The numbers of injuries could be set to increase as children roam affected areas in the summer holidays and there’s also a risk of injury to those tasked with removing the plant, unless correct safety measures are introduced.
Giant Hogweed sap is extremely toxic to the skin in sunlight, making it a serious and significant danger to public health.
Contact with any part of the plant, followed by exposure to sunlight, can cause severe blistering to the skin and discomfort, the latter possibly recurring over a number of years.
Stephen Hodgson, chief executive of the PCA, said: “Giant Hogweed is widespread and the problems it can cause are certainly not insignificant.
“Children in particular are going to come across it and the general public, as well as local authorities, statutory agencies and landowners on whose property people can come into contact with the plant need to be aware of the risks.
“Giant hogweed needs to be controlled and managed professionally.” Further information on giant hogweed is now available in the form of a Guidance Note from The Property Care Association (PCA). The guidance note can be viewed at http://www.property-care.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Guidance-Note-Giant-Hogweed.pdf
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