Like MC Hammer says, ” Can’t Touch This.” An invasive weed that can cause severe burns, blisters, scars, and blindness is spreading. Called the Giant hogweed, it has a stout and a bright green stem that is frequently spotted with dark red and hollow red-spotted leaf stalks that produce sturdy bristles. Officials in Isle of Wight County, in eastern Virginia near Norfolk and Newport News, posted a warning on Facebook about the invasive plant, which can grow to almost 15 feet. The giant hogweed plant is originally from the Caucasus region, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea where Europe and Asia meet. In the early 20th century, the herb was introduced to the US as an ornamental garden plant. The plant’s sap, which people can encounter when they break the stem or leaves or brush against its bristles, can make skin extremely sensitive to the sun, leading to third-degree burns in a short period. Scars from the burns can last for years, and the reaction can cause blindness if sap gets in a person’s eye. Giant hogweed, now federally classified as a noxious weed, has been found in Virginia for the first time. At least 30 plants were found at a site in Clarke County. These plants had previously been found growing in other states in the Mid-Atlantic and New England, including in New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. The US Department of Agriculture’s website shows it has also been found in Michigan and Illinois. If you happen to find giant hogweed out in the wild, don’t take a weed wacker to it, as it can dangerously spray the sap around. If you or someone you know brushes against one of these plants, experts recommend immediately washing the affected area with soap and cold water and keeping it out of the sun for at least 48 hours. If you think you’ve been burned by a reaction after coming into contact with giant hogweed, see a physician immediately. After a burn, skin can be especially sensitive to sun exposure for several years. Folks, watch your kids. This is a really bad, dangerous plant and its spreading. Memorize the picture and like MC Hammer says remember, ” Can’t Touch This.”
Business Insider contributed to this report.
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