is london plane cancerous?

[rapidlee]

i heard that you shouldnt cut london plane when it has leaf on as it causes cancer. is this true or is it a myth? is it just planes from large towns as car fumes can lay on the bark and become concentrated so cutting and chipping can be poisonous?

[skyhuck]

Not heard its cancerous, but it is horrendous and can make you cough to the point of vomiting.

[Mozza]

Ive heard over the years that its carcinogenic, Its certainly horrendous to work with in the spring/summer, Its like the worst hayfever ive ever had (as a comparison), Really itchy eyes and it really gets to your throat

[Danavan]

I belive it is to do with the seed pods & the nasty way they atatch themselfs to your lungs with tiny barbs. I for one avoid cutting them when the pods are at that point when they explode into nasty itchy clouds of yuk when you throw them at each other!!

I have heard of people wearing dust masks when pruning them is nessasery at that time in their cycle.

This is all just part of the myth thing though I have to say, I havn't looked that far into it.

I do like to cause panic through unfounded rummor though:laugh1:

[alex_m]

i heard that the saw dust has hook shaped bits in it but whether it's true or not...

[Peter]

Plane in leaf is nasty, not sure about carcinogenic, but...

 

Any fine inorganic dust can be a factor in lung cancer.

 

Planes were planted in cities for their ability to thrive in polluted air, so I wouldnt be too surprised if the hairs on the leaves trap air borne particles.

 

Have tried masks, but they are also horrible in hot weather. Ii find I can do a day on plane in leaf, but then any subsequent days are horrendous.

[SJH]

They can really make you bad, some folk worse than others mind, masks dont really work that well but do help a bit. better to be up the tree than chipping mind you.

[Peter]

I have fond memories of weeks of plane in summer at Stockport, council policy is no work on planes in summer, but when a councillor says jump.........

[SJH]

Yup, do one they all want em reduced aswell!

[John Hancock]

I have fond memories of weeks of plane in summer at Stockport, council policy is no work on planes in summer, but when a councillor says jump.........

 

Sounds all to familiar