When beautiful blooms can pose hidden health risks

Flowers are often associated with celebration, comfort and affection, but some blooms may also pose health risks ranging from mild allergic reactions to serious poisoning, according to a specialist from Makati Medical Center."Certain flowers contain toxic substances, which they use to protect themselves against insects, plant-eating animals and environmental stress," said Dr. Fatima Johanna Santos-Ocampo, a pediatric allergology and immunology specialist at Makati Medical Center.She said some flowers can be dangerous if ingested. Angel's trumpet and azalea are highly poisonous and may cause severe illness or death, while poinsettia and daffodil can trigger mild gastrointestinal problems. Contact with poison ivy may also result in itchy skin rashes.Plants are also vulnerable to disease. Powdery mildew, a fungal infection, appears as a white coating on leaves, stems and flower petals, causing leaves to yellow, turn brown and eventually fall off. Other common plant diseases include black spot, which leaves dark markings on rose leaves, and gray mold, which covers plants with a layer of gray fuzz."In general, we are not likely to get infected by a plant attacked by a pathogen or a microorganism that brings disease to its host," Santos-Ocampo said. "Still, it's best we avoid them, especially if we're immunocompromised."She noted that sporotrichosis, a fungal infection found on the thorns of dead roses, can affect the lungs, eyes, central nervous system, bones and joints if it enters the body through a skin wound. She also warned that mycotoxins produced by certain fungi can contain aflatoxins that may lead to vomiting, convulsions, cancer and, in severe cases, death.Beyond toxins and fungi, pollen is another common concern.Pollen, the fine powder essential to plant reproduction, is a well-known allergen. When inhaled, Santos-Ocampo said the body's immune system may mistake it for harmful invaders such as viruses or bacteria."This leads to the release of histamine, which makes us itch, sniffle and sneeze," she said. "Others experience more distressing symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath."Among the flowers commonly associated with allergic reactions are baby's breath, dahlia, daisy, chamomile, chrysanthemum and sunflower.Santos-Ocampo said recognizing potentially toxic, disease-affected or highly allergenic plants and avoiding them remains the simplest way to reduce health risks."If you notice leaves with telltale signs of a pathogen, pluck them out immediately so they don't spread to the other leaves," she said. She also recommended spacing plants to improve air circulation and protecting them with commercially available garden oils and fungicide sprays.For people sensitive to pollen, she suggested choosing flowers that produce little airborne pollen or whose pollen is sticky or heavy. These include roses, orchids, tulips, hydrangeas, peonies, carnations, irises, begonias, snapdragons and cactus flowers."You can also keep allergic reactions at bay by purchasing fresh flowers, which are less likely to release pollen," Santos-Ocampo said.She added that flowers with strong fragrances may also trigger sneezing because they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause coughing, allergic rhinitis or asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. "It is safer to choose those with mild scents."For those experiencing pollen allergies, over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and eye drops may help relieve symptoms, although Santos-Ocampo advised consulting a physician for appropriate treatment."See a healthcare specialist immediately if the symptoms do not subside or progress," she said.