Waterloo Region residents are being warned not to go near a toxic plant called Giant Hogweed, a weed that is rapidly spreading across southwestern Ontario.
Giant Hogweed can grow to over four metres tall, with white flowers over a metre wide. Commonly found it shady areas, it poses a serious health risk.
Prof. Francois Tardif works in weed science at the University of Guelph. He says "The sap contains chemicals that will make your skin sensitive to UV rays, so if you walk in a stand and you happen to break the foliages and the stem, that sap will get on your skin."
The combination of the sap and sunshine can cause severe burns and blistering, it can also cause blindness in severe cases.
Waterloo Region recommends that anyone who comes in contact with Giant Hogweed should keep away from sunlight for one to two weeks, wash the affected areas with soap and water, cover up and contact your family doctor immediately.
The region's weed inspectors are searching for them in an attempt to remove them throughout the region, but there is also hope that there may be a way to eliminate them permanently.
Tardif says "Hogweed is a plant that has been introduced in the 1950s probably from Europe. It's originating from the Caucasus Mountains of eastern Russia."
His team is testing different herbicides and new products to kill the weeds for good.
Meanwhile, Larry Martin of Waterloo Region's Hogweed Reduction Program says community support to help eliminate the weed is vital.
"Under the Weed Control Act we have the statute that assists us in destroying the plant. We would contact the owner, inform them of the plant and we would ask them to destroy the plant."
To report giant hogweed or for more information on how to remove it you can contact Larry Martin at 519-575-4016 or email lrs@region.waterloo.on.ca
