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Giant Hogweed is a noxious invasive weed. It is proved to be hazardous to the public health. Giant hogweed is mentioned as a poisonous plant because of it toxins in the Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System. When the Giant Hogweed plant comes in contact with the skin, the reaction can be seen in several minutes to 48 hours. It can cause severe burns, scars .Giant Hogweed also causes temporary or permanent blindness if it comes in contact with the eyes. Giant Hogweed contains toxins in the sap of stem, leaves and stalk.

The clear watery sap present in the stem and leaves can cause skin irritation. Furocoumarin chemicals present in the sap of Giant Hogweed makes skin sensitive to ultraviolet rays and cause phytophotodermatitis. The chemicals penetrate into the epidermis of the skin since they are lipids in nature. When skin comes in contact with the sunlight the furocoumarins are excited and leads to cell membrane damage and oedema. Immediately wash the area of contact and avoid sunlight for 48 hours. In sunlight, the sensitive skin cannot withstand the ultraviolet rays and causes swelling, blisters and eruption of the area. Application of the sunburn cream having anti inflammatory properties can reduce the skin irritation caused due to the contact of Giant Hogweed plant.