The Hidden Danger in Your Home? Unmasking the Toxicity of the California bay laurel Plant.
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The scent of umbellulone in California bay laurel tree foliage triggers intense headaches and uncomfortable chills.
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Being near just a single crushed leaf from the California bay laurel tree is sufficient to induce symptoms.
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Oils from the California bay laurel tree's leaves may lead to a runny nose, irritated eyes, and breathing problems.
Is California bay laurel harmful to people?
The California bay laurel tree isn't extremely hazardous, but it possesses a toxin with some truly unusual effects. Its leaves and leaf oils contain umbellulone, a ketone that not only irritates skin upon contact but also triggers intense headaches and painful chills when inhaled. Additional potential symptoms include a runny nose, eye irritation, breathing difficulties, impaired concentration, and a decrease in blood pressure. Being near even a single crushed leaf can induce symptoms. Keep young children away from this tree, and prevent older children from climbing it.
