Viktor J. Vojnich, University of Szeged, Faculty of AgricultureAllergic symptoms appear on students during a trip
Twelve years ago, I took a group on a trip. The group consisted of 20 high school students and three adults. During the trip, we spent a few hours in a meadow where there were different plant species. However, I drew their attention to two invasive plant species, namely the common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and the giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).
When the trip was over, we noticed that several children had some allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and blisters on their hands and feet. The children who showed symptoms were taken to a specialist examination the next day, where the diagnosis was told to the accompanying teacher.
And I did some research...
And I did some research...
Ragweed is the most common invasive weed in Hungary
Ambrosia artemisiifolia has become the most widespread invasive weed in Hungary that is the most allergenic of all taxa. It causes pollen allergy affecting around 20% of the population of Hungary. In addition, ragweed causes significant damage in many areas of the economy [1].
A. artemisiifolia pollen
The Carpathian Basin, including Hungary, is the most polluted area in Europe with ragweed pollen. The high daily pollen concentrations (exceeding 30 pollen grains / m3 of air) significantly worsen the symptoms of allergic patients due to ragweed pollen [2].
H. mantegazzianum spread in Europe
Giant hogweed is native to the Western Caucasus region of Eurasia. It was introduced to UK as an ornamental plant in the 19th century, and has also spread to other areas in Western Europe, as well as in Central-Eastern Europe [3].
Picture: Distribution of giant hogweed in Europe (2005)
Picture: Distribution of giant hogweed in Europe (2005)
Giant hogweed causes phytophotodermatitis in humans
The sap of giant hogweed is phototoxic and causes phytophotodermatitis in humans, resulting in blisters and scars. These serious reactions are due to the furanocoumarin derivatives in the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds of the plant [4].
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A few weeks later, when all the students who had suffered from symptoms got well again, I decided to discuss this experience with them.
We summarized what we’ve learned:
Common ragweed has become the most widespread weed in Hungary. It has an effect on increasing the rate of respiratory diseases (for example asthma and chronic bronchitis diseases), including pollen allergy as well.
Giant hogweed is native to the western Caucasus region of Eurasia. The sap of giant hogweed is phototoxic and causes phytophotodermatitis in humans, resulting in blisters and scars. Consequently, it is considered to be a noxious weed in many jurisdictions.
I will never forget this trip…
We summarized what we’ve learned:
Common ragweed has become the most widespread weed in Hungary. It has an effect on increasing the rate of respiratory diseases (for example asthma and chronic bronchitis diseases), including pollen allergy as well.
Giant hogweed is native to the western Caucasus region of Eurasia. The sap of giant hogweed is phototoxic and causes phytophotodermatitis in humans, resulting in blisters and scars. Consequently, it is considered to be a noxious weed in many jurisdictions.
I will never forget this trip…
Did you know about the problem with these plants? And that so many of us can be affected?
The concept of One Health allows us to be aware of this link between our environment and our health. Because
allergies are nothing to be casual about!
allergies are nothing to be casual about!
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Allergic symptoms appear on students during a trip
Ragweed
Ragweed is the most common invasive weed in Hungary
A. artemisiifolia pollen
H. mantegazzianum spread in Europe
Giant hogweed causes phytophotodermatitis in humans
Did you know about the problem with these plants?