If you have pets or small children, choosing a houseplant can be a bit tricky. Many green plants are more or less poisonous, but few pose a serious threat to your family's life.
The rubber tree is slightly poisonous
The easy-care rubber tree is one of the slightly poisonous plants, both for humans and pets. If possible, choose the location so that neither your cat nor your toddler can reach the rubber tree.
How do I notice poisoning in my child?
Poisoning by the rubber tree usually manifests itself in gastrointestinal upsets such as nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea can also occur later. Convulsions or paralysis occur when a large amount is consumed. However, this rarely happens because the leaves of the rubber tree do not taste good. Most of the time, children instinctively spit out what they chewed.
If you suspect your child has bitten a rubber tree leaf, give them plenty to drink to dilute the toxins. Lukewarm drinks such as tea or water are best. In no case should you give him milk or provoke vomiting. This would only irritate the mucous membrane of the esophagus. On the skin, the milk-like plant sap can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of poisoning in young children:
- mucosal irritations
- gastrointestinal upset
- nausea
- Vomit
- diarrhea
- when consuming larger amounts: cramps, paralysis
- Skin irritation or allergic reaction on contact with the milk-like plant sap
tips
If you suspect poisoning, give your child plenty to drink (no milk!) and see a doctor immediately. In no case should you incite the child to vomit.