Question
A two-month-old baby accidentally ingested the central columnar structure of the peace lily plant’s petals—the spike—what are the potential toxic effects on the baby?
Answer
In clinical medicine, there is no record of the peace lily plant being toxic. The peace lily, also known as May Chang, is a type of herbaceous ornamental plant. Considering that a young child’s food intake is limited, it is unlikely that they would ingest a large amount of plant material. However, the root and leaves of the red-leafed peace lily do contain toxicity, and the flowers have a mild toxicity. Since children have a lower tolerance for dosage, it is recommended to go to the hospital for a check-up. Possible symptoms include hoarseness and difficulty swallowing, which should be addressed promptly. Please take children’s safety into account and wish your baby health.