Plant danger exaggerated
THERE has been a recent spate of letters exaggerating the risks of ragwort. Every summer there is a lot of uninformed panic about this. Yes, the plant is toxic but examination of scientific literature internationally shows that poisoning of livestock is actually quite rare.
I was particularly perturbed to see the frightening story that it is dangerous to people being repeated. Research published decades ago at the Medical Research Laboratories showed clearly there is no risk to people from handling the plant.
As someone who has studied ragwort, I was recently contacted by a terrified teenager who was concerned that she was going to die as a result of pulling the plant without gloves. There are now several scientific websites where readers can reassure themselves.
Neil Jones
Swansea Friends of the Earth
Environment Centre
Pier Street, Swansea
A note for readers not orignally published with the letter. An explanation of the lack of risks to people is available here Ragwort and Humans why there is no risk