Hey Mensa member, do you have drain cleaner under your sink or any other pesticides, cleaners, etc., that are much more caustic than a little bush? I’ve lived in CA for 42 years and the stuff has never once jumped in my mouth.
You’re right; there are many things around the house that are just as toxic as that “little bush.” However, most people are aware of the toxicity of those items, and if there are small children around, will keep the items locked up. However, many people don’t even *know* how toxic oleander is, and small children have a habit of putting EVERYTHING in their mouths.
As for your never having ingested oleander yourself, well, certainly the world is a better place for your presence, so we are all glad of that. But out of your 42 years, you were probably only at risk for the first 3 or 4. (One would hope.)