#Pencil cactus skin#

military sprayed the herbicide on the jungles of Vietnam in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and it was found to be highly toxic to the eyes and skin. She told me that irising the eye is important when there is a chemical injury, as it helps to reset the pH of the ocular surface. If sap does get into the eye, wash the eye with water immediately, McVeigh advises. What do you do if you get pencil cactus sap in your eye? It is not known how many people have been killed by this poisonous plant, but it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people are killed each year in the U.S. It can also cause severe burns and even death. When the milky sap touches skin, it can cause redness, rashes, itching, and blistering. The pencil cactus contains latex that is toxic to both humans and animals. In severe cases, the victim may experience seizures, coma and even death. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, weakness, numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, arms, legs, or other extremities.

#Pencil cactus skin#

It is also known to cause skin and eye irritation. The pencil cactus is toxic to humans and dogs worldwide as it contains a substance that can cause serious gastrointestinal, ocular, and respiratory problems. The pencil cactus plant is a member of a family of plants. What do you do if you get pencil cactus sap in your eye?.