Residents burning garden waste after Hurricane Gonzalo are being reminded that certain vegetation can give off toxic fumes if set on fire.

Poisonous plants such as Mexican pepper, oleander, pencil tree and poison ivy should not be burned, advised the Department of Conservation Services.

The toxic fumes given off by this debris can be hazardous and cause severe allergic reactions.

“If they must be burned they must not be green and should be dry to minimise risk,” a spokeswoman said. “Oleanders contain a toxin called Cardenolide Glycosides. The toxin is mostly contained in the sap, which is clear to slightly milky coloured and sticky.

“When ingested in certain quantities, this toxin can cause serious harm.

“Likewise, when Poison Ivy is burned, the heavy particles of the smoke contain urushiol, which will fall down in soot form and can be inhaled.

“The lungs can swell, cause coughing and extreme irritation and swelling in the throat. It can also cause blisters.”

Residents who wish to burn horticultural waste on their property rather than take it to the Marsh Folly composting facility are reminded that under the Clean Air Act 1991, you may burn only dry waste such as garden clippings, tree branches and lawn waste.

Burning trash such as garbage, lumber, paper, plastics or furniture is banned. These items should be sent to the Tynes Bay Waste to Energy facility.

If the smoke is a nuisance to neighbours it must be put out at once, the Environment Ministry said.

The Ministry’s tips for safe backyard burning include keeping fires small and hot and only burn well dried, brown garden waste.

“Green leaves do not burn well, so store them until they dry out,” a spokeswoman advised. “Make a small fire with some of your wood and keep adding small amounts to it.

“If you try to burn a large amount of waste all at once or with green wastes, your fire will be smoky, which is likely to disturb a neighbour.”

For more information about burning horticultural waste, call Patricia Hollis on 239-2303 or e-mail environmentalengineering@gov.bm

If a neighbour’s fire is a nuisance, call the Department of Environmental Health on 278-5333 or the Department of Environmental Protection on 239-2303 or 239-2356.

Bermuda Fire and Rescue Services advises the public to call them and provide details before burning garden waste on 296-7559.