Dangers

• Plant food is toxic if you consume it directly by mouth. The extent of the toxicity depends on how much you consume in relation to your total body weight. A small amount of plant food has less of an effect on a fully grown adult male than a small child or a pet.
  
  Plant food can also burn your skin if you touch it without protection, so you should wear long sleeves, pants and gloves when handling plant fertilizers. Avoid inhaling the fumes from plant fertilizers, especially if you already have a history of breathing or respiratory problems.
  
  

Poisoning

• The government health website Medline Plus provides a list of the symptoms you may experience if you are suffering from plant food poisoning. Plant food poisoning should be treated immediately by trained medical professionals. Plant food poisoning symptoms can include nausea; dizziness; fainting; itchy or red skin; breathing problems; low blood pressure; stomach problems; vomiting and even seizures. Individuals may experience a burning sensation in their eyes, throat, nose or skin. Plant food poisoning may also cause the affected person's lips, fingernail beds and palms to develop a bluish tint.
  
  

Nitrates

• The reason some plant foods are toxic is that they contain nitrates. Nitrates are essential nutrients for plants, which draw them up through the soil and absorb them into their systems. By the time humans touch or consume plants, the nitrates have usually been almost completely absorbed, and very low nitrate levels do not pose a threat. Consuming large amounts of nitrates is toxic to humans and animals.
  
  

Prevention

• Prevention is key to avoiding plant food poisoning. Wear protective clothing when handling plant foods. Store plant fertilizers in tightly sealed containers that are out of the reach of children and pets. Do not store plant food in areas where food is stored or prepared. Keep pets and children away from areas where plant food has just been used on plants, to prevent accidental contact or exposure.