Editing Ficus benjamina (section)

==Allergic reactions==
The plant is a major source of indoor [[allergy|allergens]], ranking as the third-most common cause of indoor allergies after dust and pets.<ref name="ncbi.nlm.nih.gov">{{cite journal|title=''Ficus benjamina--the hidden allergen in the house'' | pmid=9522185 | volume=49 | issue=1 | journal=Hautarzt | pages=2–5 |vauthors=Schenkelberger V, Freitag M, Altmeyer P | doi=10.1007/s001050050692| year=1998 | s2cid=29908249 }}</ref> Common allergy symptoms include [[Rhinitis|rhinoconjunctivitis]] and [[Asthma|allergic asthma]]. ''Ficus'' plants can be of particular concern to [[latex]] allergy sufferers because of the latex in the plants and should not be kept in the environment of those allergic to latex.<ref name="ncbi.nlm.nih.gov"/> In extreme cases, ''Ficus'' sap exposure can cause [[Anaphylaxis|anaphylactic shock]] in latex allergy sufferers. The consumption of many parts of the plant can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; safe exceptions are the edible fruits.{{cn|date=March 2023}}

Allergy to ''Ficus'' plants develops over time and from exposure. The allergy was first observed in occupational settings amongst workers who regularly handled the plants. A study of workers at four plant-leasing firms showed that 27% of the workers had developed antibodies in response to exposure to the plants.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.phadia.com/en/Products/Allergy-testing-products/ImmunoCAP-Allergen-Information/Occupational-Allergens/Allergens/Ficus-spp-/ | title=Ficus spp. - Setting the Standard | publisher=Thermo Fisher Scientific | work=phadia.com | date=2012 | archive-date=July 22, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722094304/http://www.phadia.com/en/Products/Allergy-testing-products/ImmunoCAP-Allergen-Information/Occupational-Allergens/Allergens/Ficus-spp-/}}</ref>