Epidemiology
Global data on plant poisoning are not widely available, but data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers indicate that about 50,000 cases of plant poisoning are reported every year in the US.[27] AAPCC: annual data reports Opens in new window The most lethal plants are also the most uncommon and rarely reported exposures. Water hemlock, jimson weed seeds, monkshood, autumn crocus, and oleander are probably the most common lethal plant species.[19]
While deaths from plant poisoning are rare in developed countries, it is a significant problem in some developing parts of the world. In South Asia, intentional self-harm through the ingestion of yellow oleander results in significant morbidity and mortality.[28][29] Poisoning by ribosome-inactivating protein 2 (RIP2)-containing plants such as castor bean (contains ricin; Ricinus communis) and rosary pea (contains abrin; Abrus precatorius) is rare, with 50 cases and 6 deaths reported worldwide between 1980 and 2000.[30]
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