... when reporters call florists, asking about the poinsettia toxicity myth. One member says a reporter called asking about allergies to the latex in poinsettias.

You can share with customers and the media the following information, which SAF has posted on its consumer Web site, www.aboutflowers.com, on poinsettias and latex allergies:
 
According to the American Latex Allergy Association, only about 1 to 6 percent of the general population is allergic to latex, and "... one would have to have significant contact with the poinsettia plant's latex directly to have an allergic reaction ... only a small drop of latex that can be immediately wiped off of the skin is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction."

Get more information on poinsettia toxicity and download a brochure on poinsettias to provide to your customers.

Want general tips on how to deal with the media in a positive manner? Visit SAF's Working with the Media page.

--Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org

 

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