| [College of ACES] | [University of Illinois] | [Illinois CES] |
I believe it is most likely the result of breathing in the fine "hairs" from the leaves, particularly when chipping... and the resulting reaction of the lungs. I highly recommend using a dust mask whenever working with any Platanus sp. in full leaf! Seems to be sufficient to prevent reactions.
Symptoms I have seen and experienced include coughing, vomiting, aching muscles and fever. Symptoms have always disappeared overnight.
I am also interested in any other responses to you query.
Torrey Young