ORNAMENAL PLANTS X TOXIC PLANTS: PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS WITH CHILDREN

Abstract

Ornamental plants are used in architecture, however it is known that many of these are also toxic. In each ten cases of poisoning by plants in Brazil, six are children under nine years, 80% of these by accidents. Thus, this study aimed to observe the children's knowledge about ornamental and poisonous plants, and through extension activities, sensitize them about the dangers of the contact with them. Such activities were carried out in two public schools and the Children's Park, located in the city of Campina Grande - Paraíba, using lectures and campaigns, and the target audience were children from 2nd to 5th year of elementary school. Thereby aiming to further interaction with this audience, children were invited to submit their knowledge of the subjects and during the competitions of the last day of carrying out activities, it was possible, by comparison, realize that a lot had been gained. It is noteworthy that in the campaigns, the public reacted in an interactional form, showing total commitment, satisfaction with what has been done and support for the initiative. Hence, it can be inferred that preventing accidents by intoxication, reduces the demand for health services, plus all the stress experienced in such cases. It is also possible to infer that one of the best ways to prevent accidents takes place through the promotion of knowledge among the population exposed to greater risk.