Peace Lilies, scientifically known as Spathiphyllum, are popular houseplants prized for their glossy green foliage and distinctive white, spoon-shaped flowers. Despite their common name suggesting tranquility, these plants pose an immediate irritation risk to infants and toddlers who might chew on them. The Peace Lily is considered toxic if ingested, but it rarely causes systemic poisoning or death. While the plant’s compounds cause intense and immediate discomfort, their effect is typically localized and serves as a natural deterrent. The toxicity is caused by a physical and chemical irritant that affects the soft tissues of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract.
The Mechanism of Irritation
The reason the Peace Lily is toxic is due to a specialized defense system built into its structure. All parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and flowers, contain microscopic, needle-shaped crystals made of insoluble calcium oxalate. These crystals are known as raphides, and they are stored under high pressure within specialized plant cells. When a baby chews or bites into the plant material, the physical action crushes these storage cells, releasing thousands of sharp raphides into the oral cavity. The tiny crystals mechanically penetrate the soft tissues of the lips, tongue, and mouth, causing an immediate, painful stinging or burning sensation. This mechanical injury is compounded by chemical irritation from the oxalate compound. The intensity usually causes the child to stop chewing and try to expel the plant material immediately. Because the crystals are insoluble, they are not absorbed into the bloodstream, which is why the effects remain primarily localized to the point of contact.
Recognizing Exposure: Specific Symptoms in Infants
Observing a baby or toddler after suspected ingestion provides immediate evidence of exposure due to the rapid onset of symptoms. The most characteristic sign is an intense, sudden burning sensation in the mouth and throat, which can lead to immediate and inconsolable crying. This severe discomfort often causes the infant to refuse food or drink. Caregivers will typically notice excessive drooling, or hypersalivation, as the pain makes it difficult for the child to swallow saliva.
Swelling of the lips, tongue, and mucous membranes inside the mouth is another common symptom as the tissues react to the crystal penetration. This irritation can extend down the throat, leading to difficulty swallowing or hoarseness. The baby might also exhibit gagging, retching, or vomiting. These symptoms are generally immediate, occurring within seconds to minutes of chewing the plant, and their intensity often limits the total amount of plant material consumed.
Immediate Response and Medical Guidance
A prompt and calm response is the best course of action following a suspected Peace Lily ingestion. The first and most important step is to immediately remove any remaining plant material from the child’s mouth. Use a clean, cool, wet cloth to gently wipe the inside of the cheeks, tongue, and gums. This physical removal minimizes further exposure to the irritating crystals.
Once the mouth is cleared, offering the child a cool liquid to drink can help soothe the burning sensation and wash away residual irritants. Milk is often recommended over water because its fat content can help coat the irritated tissues and potentially bind to some of the oxalate crystals. Small, frequent sips are better than large volumes, especially if the child is having difficulty swallowing.
The most crucial step is to call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 in the United States, even if the symptoms appear mild. They can provide expert, individualized guidance based on the amount ingested and the child’s specific symptoms. Caregivers must closely monitor the child for signs of severe or worsening swelling, particularly around the throat, which could potentially obstruct breathing.
If the swelling progresses rapidly, if the child has extreme difficulty breathing, or if there is a complete inability to swallow saliva, emergency medical services should be contacted right away. These severe reactions are rare but require immediate assessment by a medical professional to ensure the child’s airway remains open. In most cases, the irritation resolves completely within a few hours with supportive care, but professional consultation is always necessary to confirm the child’s safety.