Giant Weed In New York State Can Cause Blindness And Burns

Officials in New York  are warning residents to be on the lookout for a huge plant with sap that can cause blindness and third-degree burns.  

Giant Hogweed is spreading across the state and can be found mainly in central and western New York.  One of the potentially dangerous plants was found in a Long Island nature preserve about 40 miles from New York City.  An official with the state Department of Environmental Conservation says Giant Hogweed can grow as high as 20 feet and has white flowers the size of umbrellas that look like Queen Anne's Lace.  One big concern is reports children are using the plant's four-inch-wide stems as telescopes and getting severe burns on their faces.  Fourteen state workers are being assigned to go out and dispose of Giant Hogweed wherever it's growing.