Page 50— Keystone Farm Show Section 1, Lancaster Farming, Saturday, 1 January 1, 2000 Plants Can Have Toxic Relationship With Gardeners UNIVERSITY PARK (Centre Co.) Many gardeners search for plants that are beautiful, but a gardening expert in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences say some plants can cause injuries or harmful effects that aren’t pretty. Most toxic plant reactions cause skin problems of some kind. Nuss says awareness and common-sense precautions can prevent most problems. “If you develop a rash or some other symptoms from contact WASHINGTON. D.C. Chicken companies are making significant progress in preventing or ameliorating repetitive motion problems in processing plants. The regulatory standard proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is unnecessary, too expensive, and possibly harmful to the cause of correcting the conditions that con tribute to repetitive motion prob lems, according to the National Chicken Council. The incidence of repetitive mo tion problems has steadily de clined in poultry processing over the last several years, according to federal statistics. The improve ment indicates that worker safety programs in the industry are hav ing an effect Jobs have been rede signed, new equipment introduc ed. and employees are trained to handle their work with less stress. In this context it makes no sense to impose a burdensome and expensive program that will force companies to shift their focus from concern for worker well-be ing to compliance with federal regulations so complicated and vague that the official explanation runs to more than 300 pages of small print in the Federal Register, NCC said in a statement. The regulation will cover almost 2 mil lion workplaces and is believed to be the most expensive regulation ever proposed by the federal TRUE BLUE ZTR® Reg. $3,500 SALE PRICE s 2l99°° Sit-down Sulky Available. Sit and Ride For Only $6OO More. 6 Months Same As Cash Supplies Limited Interest begins 6 months alter transaction data First paymant due 7 months after transaction dale 18*» APR lor Shellield Financial program No finance charge or prepayment penalty when amount financed is paid before interest begins All Dixon Blue Line credit sales are subject to credit approval Oiler good on Dixon mowers and attachments through 1/31/00 See dealer for details The Only True ZTR® I is a Blue ZTR®... ZTR® Mowers • Dixon and ZTR are registered trademarks of Dixon Industries Inc Lawn Care Equipment JIF Center. LLP BV Martindale, PA Bo™l3 (717) 445-4541 with plants, collect a sample of all plants to which you were exposed.” says Robert Nuss, pro fessor of ornamental horticul ture. “Samples will help your doctor identify the cause of the problem.” Nuss recommends that gar deners learn to identify problem plants. If exposed gardeners should wash thoroughly as soon as possible. “Don’t use soap con taining oils,” Jus says. “Oils can spread toxins and promote skin absorption. Detergents or hand cleaners are the most effective.” Companies Make Progress government The science of ergonomics is far from exact Federal activity in this area should be based on sound science. OSHA has chosen to go ahead before a major study is completed by the National Aca Nuss lists some of the com mon plants that can have toxic or harmful effects on humans. • Poison plants. Poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac all contain the toxin unshiol in the sap of leaves, stems, fruit, flow ~ers and roots, which can cause itchy rashes and other symp toms. The fruit of the ginkgo tree and the sap of the smoketree also can can cause skin rashes. • Allergenic plants. Most allergic reactions are caused by pollen, bringing on hay fever or demy of Sciences. The govern ment should work with employers to encourage research and devel opment of effective programs be fore rushing into a sweeping, ex tremely expensive regulation, ac cording to NCC. _ rSee us at the KEYSTONE FARM SHOw'l Horticultural Hall • #5Ol J & FencingJ Round corners for safety & strength. Constructed with 1.9 tubing with al3 gauge wall. All steel equipment is powder coated with a top grade TGIC Polyester Coating and comes with a 20 Year Rust Through Guarantee. [ Cattle Slats Heavy duty cattle slat is wet cast with a 1/2” diameter welded rebar cage. 6 1/2” thick throughout the entire slat with 1 3/4” slots. Slow cured for extra strength. Lebanon Valley Enterprises, Inc. Manufacturing • Powder Coating • Precast P.O. Box 187, Myerstown, PA 17067 • (717) 866-2030 asthma. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, as can some lichens that grow on rocks or trees. Nuss says orchids, tulip bulbs, chrysanthemums and dahlias can be allergenic, to some individuals. • Skin irritant plants. The chemicals plants have in leaves, bark, roots, bulbs or flowers can cause direct skin irritations. Tn many cases the sap within the plant is the cause of the prob lem,” Nuss explains. “Often, the irritating substance is released only when the plant tissue has been damaged or mishandled.” Nuss says some common houseplants can cause skin irri tation, including poinsettias, penciltrees, daffodils, hyacinths and ornamental buttercups. •Stinging plants. Most net tles can cause a toxic reaction when touched, but the Waction Versatile design offers generous lunge space between loop. Heavy construction . with 2 3/8” high yield steel tubing with 12 1 gauge wall. does not have lasting effects and requires no medical treatment. •Thorny plants. The most common plant-related injuries are caused by thorns. “Most peo ple don’t seek medical help after getting stuck by a thorn,” Nuss says* “But implanted thorns, needles or spines can cause infections or other medical prob lems.” Nuss says thorns embedded near joints can cause chronic arthritis. Thoms embedded near bones can mimic a bone tumor. Thorny plants that can cause painful injuries inc'ude roses, black locust and honeylocust trees and blackberry bushes. “Clothing, tools and even smoke from burning plants can carry toxins,” Nuss says. “Be sure to wash all clothing and tools after working with problem plants. The residues can be haz ardous for a long time.” [ Head Locks Auto release for downed cows Adjustable neck opening for calf to cow Heavy 1” schedule 40 pipe for uprights
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