Oak moth pest could pose significant health risk to humans: Study
August 3rd, 2010 - 2:34 pm ICT by ANILondon, August 3 (ANI): The caterpillar of the oak processionary moth, which damages oak trees, could pose a danger to humans too, says a study.
The moth, found mostly in trees in west London, has around 62,000 toxic hairs, which can be blown into contact with people, causing skin rashes, itchy eyes and triggering asthma attacks.
Hairs that fall to the ground can be active for up to five years.
“The symptoms can vary and some people may experience itchy patches of puffy skin, persistent itchy raised spots, irritant dermatitis and itchy eyes,” the BBC quoted Dr Brian McCloskey, director of the Health Protection Agency in London, as saying.
Symptoms can be treated with antihistamines or skin treatments available from local pharmacies.
Doctors suggest that asthma patients should always carry an inhaler with them.
Experts at Kew have discovered that spraying the caterpillars with insecticide before they produce their poisonous hairs is the best way to tackle the problem.
Experts are concerned that the oak processionary moth could take hold in Richmond Park, which is home to 40,000 oak trees over 2,500 acres.
But a spokesperson for the Royal Parks said that all the caterpillar nests identified had been removed from the trees before the adult caterpillars could emerge. (ANI)
- Amir Khan beats Paul McCloskey to retain WBA title - Apr 17, 2011
- A diet change may bring relief in asthma and allergies - Apr 19, 2011
- Virus brainwashes caterpillars to melt themselves - Sep 12, 2011
- Myths related to spring allergies busted - Feb 27, 2011
- Plants 'can cause a garden variety of pesky skin problems' - Feb 06, 2011
- Clean right, eat right for healthy hair this monsoon - Aug 08, 2012
- Hay fever worse in spring than summer - Jan 01, 2012
- How to keep your skin glowing during monsoon - Jul 04, 2012
- New Year bash not so rocking for allergic people - Jan 03, 2010
- 'Brazilian blow-dry' raising concern over health hazards - Mar 07, 2011
- Pine bark extract naturally reduces hay fever symptoms - Jun 24, 2010
- Scientists unveil 'allergy gene' - Jul 10, 2009
- Atopic dermatitis is a strong precursor to food allergies - Feb 06, 2011
- Russia poplars bring money - and masks - to Kashmir - May 27, 2011
- New York teenager arrested for possessing a homemade weapon - Feb 23, 2010
Tags: asthma attacks, asthma patients, brian mccloskey, caterpillars, dr brian, health protection agency, health risk, inhaler, insecticide, irritant dermatitis, itchy eyes, kew, moth, oak trees, poisonous hairs, richmond park, significant health, skin rashes, skin treatments, west london