Poison Hemlock By: Joe Beck III and Tayler Termeer

Conium maculatum A member of the parsley family Up to 6 ft tall and has purple spots on the stem  Grows on fertile soils across the U.S. In 2008, plant exposures were reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers National Poison Data System.

Toxicity and Effects of Hemlock Coniine and related pyridine-type alkaloids are present in the root, young plants and seeds. As plants mature, the foliage loses alkaloid content, but the seeds accumulate the alkaloid. The clinical course is rapid, and animals may be found dead or die within a few hours. Initial consumption may cause a burning sensation in the mouth, salivation, emesis and diarrhea. Rapidly developing neurologic signs include muscle tremors, muscular weakness, dim vision, convulsions and coma. Death results from respiratory failure. Frequent urination and defecation may also occur.

Treatment Steps 1.Secure Airway 2.Use GI Decontaminates 3.Treat seizures with barbiturates and antiemetics. 4.Give IV fluids for dehydration. 5.Provide ventilatory support.

Socrates Case Died in 329 B.C from the plant in prison. He was condemned to die and chose to drink the poisonous juice to commit suicide. Poisonous cicutoxin caused convulsions and death. “I drink therefore, I’m not.” -Socrates

David Westerlund Case Bellingham, Washington. Age 35 Didn’t know hemlock was in his garden. Shortly after he ate it and began to feel tremors run through his body. He spent four hours in the ER and had a full recovery.

Sakha Keo Case Tacoma, Washington. Age 55 She put hemlock in her salad thinking it was some other herb. Her small body mass made her vulnerable. It was the last decision she ever made.

Jesus and Native American Notes Hemlock is also thought to be given to Christ along with vinegar and myrrh when he was crucified. Native Americans once used hemlock toxins to poison the tips of their arrows.

Works Cited poisons.php poisons.php ts/pppoiso.htm ts/pppoiso.htm aturalResources/MT200013AG.pdf aturalResources/MT200013AG.pdf may-have-caused-Tacoma-womans-death html may-have-caused-Tacoma-womans-death html