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TAI-ÉCOSAFE
TAI-ÉCOSAFE Luxembourg
Classification Hybride des Plantes Dangereuses

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about TAI-ÉCOSAFE

Basics

Q1: What is TAI-ÉCOSAFE in simple terms?

Scientific system that makes complex plant classification understandable in seconds. Science has become simple.

  • For everyone: 🔴=dangerous, 🟡=caution, ⚪=safe (like traffic light)
  • For professionals: precise parameters T (toxicity), A (animals), I (invasiveness)
  • Combines: CLP + ASPCA + EU 1143/2014 into one simple assessment
  • Result: Instead of 30-60 minutes searching → 10 seconds answer
  • Scientific basis: 33 sources, DOI, 98% reproducibility
Q2: Does it have legal force?

No. TAI is a voluntary scientific system (98% reproducibility, DOI, peer-reviewed methodology) that complements official regulations (CLP, EFSA, EU 1143/2014) but does not replace them. Many successful systems started voluntarily: Pantone (1963), PEGI (2003), Energy Star (1992) — proven benefit over time led to recognition.

Q3: How much does it cost?

Free for non-commercial use and education. Web portal is open, methodology available via DOI. Philosophy: Complex science should be accessible to everyone.

For General Public

Q4: How to understand if a plant is dangerous?

Look at the color marking:

  • 🔴 Red = Very dangerous (T≥4 OR A≥4)
  • 🟠 Orange = Dangerous (T=3 OR A=3)
  • 🟤 Brown = Invasive (I≥3)
  • 🟣 Purple = Strong allergen (Ambrosia)
  • 🟡 Yellow = Caution (T=1-2, A=1-2)
  • ⚪ Gray = Low risk (T≤1, A≤1, I≤2)
Q5: I have a dog, which plants to avoid?

Look for VET marker (animal toxicity documented) or 🔴 red color. Out of 284 validated species, 59 have high risk (A≥3).

Q6: Can I plant a yellow plant near a playground?

Depends on parameters. If T<2, A<2, I<3 — yes with caution. For playgrounds, it's safer to choose ⚪ gray plants (T≤1, A≤1).

Q7: Child ate a plant — what to do?
  1. Identify plant species (use PlantNet)
  2. Check TAI: if 🔴 + markers FXT (phototoxicity) or CHD (clinical cases) → IMMEDIATELY CALL AMBULANCE
  3. Luxembourg Poison Center: +352 8002 5500 (24/7)
Q8: Where to see TAI marking?

Currently — on web portal https://tai-ecosafe.com (284 species). PlantNet integration and marking in Luxembourg garden centers are planned.

Q8a: How can I help the project?

Add plant observations:

  • 📸 Photograph plant + indicate location and date
  • 🌐 Upload via form: https://tai-ecosafe.com/collections/editor/observationsubmit.php?collid=1
  • Database grows thanks to community (currently: 1,050,322 observations)
  • This will help improve flora coverage and validate more species

For Professionals

Q9: How to use TAI in landscape design?

Use safe species filter:

Color = GRAY/YELLOW AND T<2 AND A<2 AND I<3

Result: list of 15-25 safe species in 5 minutes instead of 4-6 hours of manual search. Methodology author actively applies TAI in landscaping projects.

Q10: How to protect from client claims?
  1. Mark plants with TAI colors on price tags
  2. Train staff on basic system (1-2 hours)
  3. Document TAI Score in contracts/invoices
  4. When claims arise: show that you used standardized assessment system
Q11: Can it be adapted for another country?

Yes, methodology is fully universal. Plant does not change its toxicological properties depending on geography.

  • Coefficients A×1.3 and I×1.4 — universal for all countries
  • Parameters T/A/I — same for species regardless of country
  • Can be applied without changes in any EU country and beyond

Only localization — interface translation and adding regional species to database.

Q12: How to integrate TAI into application?

Currently available: CSV/JSON export from https://tai-ecosafe.com. API in development (planned Q1 2026). For integration contact: immanentnost@gmail.com

Technical Questions

Q13: Why coefficients A×1.3 and I×1.4?

These are universal empirical coefficients, applicable for all countries:

  • A×1.3: Reflects higher potential harm to animals (species diversity, physiology)
  • I×1.4: Reflects higher ecological weight of invasive species (irreversibility of ecosystem changes)

Coefficients obtained by expert assessment and validated on dataset of 247 plants. They DO NOT depend on country — plant does not change properties from geography.

This is design choice by analogy with CLP approach to Hazard Categories (not statistical calibration, but expert classification). Details in methodology, Section 3.2.

Q14: How often is data updated?
  • Observation database: Constantly (through site form users add new observations)
  • TAI validation of species: As data arrives and author verifies sources
  • Methodology: Annual release of new version (current: v8.5)
  • Sources: Monitoring updates of CLP, ASPCA, EU 1143/2014
  • Platform: Symbiota allows real-time community observation addition
Q15: How many species are planned for validation?

Target coverage: all 4,167 taxa that are already in Symbiota database at https://tai-ecosafe.com

  • Current status: 284 species validated (6.8%)
  • Validation priority:
    • Dangerous species: T≥3, A≥3
    • Invasive: I≥3
    • Cultivated in gardens and parks
    • Species with frequent user requests
  • Database constantly replenished with observations (currently: 1,050,322)

For Scientists

Q16: Can TAI be used in publications?

Yes. Citation:

Mozgovyi, R. (2025). TAI-ÉCOSAFE Luxembourg v8.5: Hybrid classification methodology for dangerous plants. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17289419
Q17: How to add own species to database?

Two ways:

1. Add plant observation (for everyone):

  • 🌐 Form on site: https://tai-ecosafe.com/collections/editor/observationsubmit.php?collid=1
  • Upload photo + coordinates + discovery date
  • Data added to observation database (1,050,322 records)
  • TAI validation conducted by methodology author after verification

2. Propose TAI validation of species (for experts):

  • Email: immanentnost@gmail.com
  • Specify:
    • Latin name (GBIF/IPNI)
    • Parameters T/A/I with justification
    • Minimum 2 sources for each parameter (CLP, ASPCA, EFSA, scientific articles)
    • Validation level (1-5)
  • Author will verify data and add to official list of validated species
Q18: What is flora coverage?

Database contains 4,167 flora taxa, of which 284 species are TAI-validated (6.8%).

  • Database includes Luxembourg and adjacent territories flora observations
  • TAI validation focus: dangerous and invasive species, not academic completeness of all plants
  • Goal: Validate all 4,167 taxa, gradually expanding coverage
Q18a: What is difference between "4,167 taxa" and "284 validated"?

Two data levels:

  • 4,167 taxa = complete list of plants in observation database (photos, coordinates, discovery dates)
  • 284 validated = species for which full TAI assessment conducted (T/A/I + Score + Color + verified sources)

Validation process requires:

  1. Verification of minimum 2 sources for each parameter (T, A, I)
  2. Analysis of clinical data (CLN), veterinary cases (VET)
  3. IUCN status check (THR), EU 1143/2014 (INV)
  4. Assignment of validation level (1-5)
  5. Documentation of all sources in ISO 690:2010 format

Result: TAI validation is not just plant presence in database, but full scientifically substantiated assessment of its danger.

Legal Questions

Q19: Can TAI be used in official documents?

As additional information — yes. As sole basis — no. Priority is with mandatory systems:

  • CLP EC 1272/2008 (toxicity)
  • EU 1143/2014 (invasive species)
  • EFSA Guidelines (veterinary safety)
Q20: What to do if TAI contradicts CLP?

TAI is based on CLP. If contradiction priority is with CLP (mandatory system). Report discrepancy: immanentnost@gmail.com for verification.