I had a brush with giant hogweed 50 years ago – and it is now more painful than ever
A pensioner exposed to 50 years ago still has more painful wounds than ever.
George Parsonage, 80, was exposed to ‘Britain’s most dangerous factory’ in the 1960s while working on Glasgow‘s waterways.
Although the first wound was small, it remained sensitive to sunlight for decades, so he was given a spray to treat the injury.
But “all hell broke loose” when the old wound flared up, leaving an open sore on his arm.
He said: ‘The giant hogweed burn wasn’t so bad for me, it was what came after.
‘It looked like a pinky nail on my arm: a very small spot that you get after a burn. It has never bothered me at all.
George Parsonage, 80, still suffers from giant hogweed wounds, 50 years after being exposed to the dangerous plant while working on waterways in Glasgow
Despite starting as a small wound, exposure to sunlight caused Mr Parsonage’s injury to flare up and leave an open wound
‘It used to be a bit bothersome to sunlight, but it was no bigger than a square centimeter.
‘They sent me a spray and it started to go away, but then all hell broke loose. And I was told to stop injecting immediately.’
Giant hogweed or Heracleum mantegazzianum is an invasive species found in Great Britain.
Coming from the same family as cow parsley, with white flowers in June and July.
Although it looks impressive, the weed is harmful as the sap can cause photodermatitis, or photosensitivity, which causes the skin to blister, pigment and scar, while making it sensitive to sunlight.
Originally from southern Russia and Georgia, the weed is now a discovery in many British gardens.
Due to its serious threat, it is an offense to allow the species to grow wild in Britain.
Source: RHS.
Despite an attractive appearance, giant hogweed sap can be harmful
Giant Hogweed originated in the Caucasus Mountains in 1817, but was introduced to Britain as an ornamental plant in 1817 and its spread has now gotten out of control.
It was Called ‘without doubt the most dangerous plant in Britain’
Giant hogweed sap prevents the skin from protecting itself from the sun, leading to horrific burns when exposed to daylight.
And because it often does not cause immediate pain, its victims may continue to burn in the sun, ignoring any problem.
Furthermore, the plant can spread its sap with just a moment of exposure. The short-term injuries can be painful enough, but for some, the affected area may remain sensitive to sunlight in the long term.
The seeds of the giant hogweed are often dispersed via water and are therefore usually found in bloom along rivers and streams. It is an offense to allow the invasive species to grow in the wild.
Despite being an impressive sight, it poses a ‘serious risk to people who are unaware of the potential harm’, according to the RHS.
Mr. Parsonage was right in the line of fire. He said: ‘I worked on the rivers all the time. I was very, very careful.
‘It was a very bad reaction. It went from the size of a pinky fingernail to what you see now – it’s quite big now.
‘There’s no doubt it’s getting worse, but if I were to do anything about it it would mean going to hospital, getting a skin graft and all that.
“At my age and my health, it’s not worth it.”
Mr Parsonage, a retired lifeboat officer, saved lives on the River Clyde in Glasgow for more than 40 years, carrying out more than 1,500 rescues in that time.
He followed in the footsteps of his father, who was leader of the city’s Humane Society, the world’s longest-running lifeboat service. Mr Parsonage was awarded an MBE in 1999.
George Parsonage at the age of 61. The now retired lifeboat officer, he saved lives on the River Clyde in Glasgow for 40 years
He spoke out to warn others of the dangers of giant hogweed and advised people to both avoid and report the invasive weed.
He said: ‘First of all, you must stay away from it – absolutely stay away from it.
‘And the second thing is: it is your duty to report it, because in my opinion you have a responsibility.
“I would blame you if you didn’t report it and some kids who are on the same path as you would be burned by it.
‘It is a dangerous plant and the municipality should get rid of it, but that is only possible if people report it.’
He continued, “There are a hell of a lot of people out there, a hell of a lot worse than me. I’m just using myself as an example.
“I’ve seen factory workers with horrible burns on their stomachs and stuff. There was one a few years ago, and I have rarely seen such terrible burns as on this boy.
He added: ‘I’m staying well away from it.’
