Common plant ingestions

Of the enormous number of calls regarding toxic and nontoxic plant ingestions received by the Florida Poison Information and Toxicology Resource Center each year, the majority are about accidental ingestions in the pediatric population. These tend to involve household plants ranging from nontoxic to those with life-threatening cardiotoxicity. Several recent cases of ingestions with the intent of producing hallucinogenic effects have been presented to the Poison Center. Other misadventures have resulted from the similar appearance of toxic and nontoxic plants. The three poison centers in Florida have access to toxicologic consultation to help the clinician assess the severity of a plant poisoning and to guide in treatment decisions.