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Poisonous Plants. Irritants - Poisonous Plants. Urushiol Oil. Urushiol (you-ROO-shee-ol) Main constituent of the irritant oil in plants of the Genus Toxicodendron. A mixture of several compounds which are derivatives of hydrocarbons in the C 15 to C 17 range. Rash.
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Urushiol Oil • Urushiol (you-ROO-shee-ol) Main constituent of the irritant oil in plants of the Genus Toxicodendron. A mixture of several compounds which are derivatives of hydrocarbons in the C15 to C17 range.
Rash • Caused by Urushiol oil • Found in the sap • Colorless or pale yellow • Turns brownish-black after exposure to air. • Oozes from any cut or crushed part of the plant, including the roots, stems and leaves • Oil penetrates within minutes and binds with skin proteins • Rash appears within 12-48 hours • 2-3 weeks to heal
Poison IvyGenus Toxicodendron 3 Leaflets • Types: • Woody, ropelike vine • Trailing shrub on the ground • Free-standing shrub • Normally Three Leaflets • Can vary from groups of three to nine. • White Berries. Waxy Cuticle White Berries Ropelike Vine Berries
Poison Ivy • Range (climbing vine): • East • Midwest • South • Range (shrub): • Northern States • Western States • Canada
Identifying Poison Ivy • Leaflets: • Usually three • Red early spring • Shiny green later in spring • Red or Orange in Autumn • Center leaf stem is longer • Bottom leaflets opposite each other • Usually has notched edges • White berries close to stem, base of leaflets
Poison Oak • Changes appearance every season • Oak like leaves • Three Leaflets • Opposite lower leaflets • Longer stem central leaflet • Leaflets with smooth hair underneath • White flowers • White berries
Poison Oak • Eastern variety • Southeast • Low shrub • Western variety • Pacific Coast • 6-foot-tall clumps • Vines up to 30 feet long
Poison Oak • Leaves of three, leave them be…..
Poison Oak - Seasons Early Spring Spring Summer Fall Winter Anytime
Poison Sumac • Most common in: • Peat bogs of Northern US • Swampy Southern Regions • Rangy shrub up to 15 feet tall. • 7 to 13 smooth-edged leaflets. • Glossy pale yellow or cream-colored berries.
Prevention • Prevention is the best treatment!!! • Long pants, long sleeves • Boots and Gloves • Barrier Creams may offer some protection (e.g., Ivy Block) before exposure • Wash immediately (within 5 minutes) with cold running water (stream, lake, hose)
Prevention • Within the first 30 minutes, soap and water helpful, after that…. • Clean clothes, shoes, tools, etc. Oil can last on surfaces for 1-5 years! • If working at a specific location where poison ivy/oak/sumac is present • Wear Modified Level D (gloves, tyveks, boot covers, etc.) • Treat plant as if it is a chemical contamination (decon)
Treatment • Over the counter • Prescription • Home Remedies
Nettles - StingersGenus Urtica • Found in waste places and moist thickets, North America. • Stems and leaves armed with hollow hairs • Brittle • Gland-tipped • Easily broken • If injected, liquid produces burning sensation • Inject chemical mixture containing: • Histamine • Acetocholine • 5-hydrotryptamine • Formic Acid