Health threat associated with Caucasian giant hogweeds: awareness among doctors and general public in Poland

Abstract

Context: The Caucasian giant hogweeds (Heracleum sosnowskyi and H. mantegazzianum) are aggressive invaders successfully spreading across different parts of Europe. Their sap containing linear furanocoumarins can lead to a persisting cutaneous dermatitis and massive skin necrosis.Objective: We aimed to assess the awareness of the giant hogweeds’ threat among physicians and general public in Poland.Methods: The level of awareness was assessed using a short questionnaire given to different groups of physicians: dermatologists (DMs), general practitioners (GPs) and occupational practitioners (OPs). An independent questionnaire was also addressed to the general public.Results: Among the surveyed physician groups, DMs were the best informed, while OPs were the worst informed on health threats associated with the giant hogweeds and treatment methods. Most frequently, application of topical corticosteroids was indicated as a successful method of treatment following the exposure to hogweeds. In the general public, awareness was relatively low with only 57.7% of the surveyed having ever heard about these plants. TV, press and Internet were among the most frequent sources of information in this regard.Conclusions: Public and medical attention needs to be raised as to the threats associated with giant hogweeds, particularly in countries that are highly infested with these plants.