Environmental Injuries - Poison Plants

Poison Ivy image courtesy of D. Bjorn, Cathin' Up on Flickr

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac are prevalent throughout the state.  Do you know how to identify them?  Do you know what to do if you come in contact with them?  Did you know that if poison ivy burns that the smoke can get on your gear and you can come into contact with it later that way?  Urushiol, the toxin found in these plants can bind to anything – by touch, or by air if the plant is burning - you, your gear, the dog you rescue, your apparatus, hose, and tools.  ANYTHING. 

Quick tips for avoiding injuries from poisonous plants:

• Suit up to avoid it touching your skin.
• Wear gloves in case it came in contact with your hose or tools.
• Watch animals. They won’t be itching but it can be carried from their fur to your body.
• Wear the respirator your department provides in case any of these plants might be burning nearby. The gases from these plants can cause serious respiratory problems.
• Watch out for it. Poison ivy grows as a vine or shrub and can be found on riverbanks and woodland edges. Poison oak usually grows as a shrub. Poison sumac grows as a woody shrub.

Here in Texas we not only get to worry about poison ivy, but also poison oak and poison sumac. Learn to identify these plants, recognize symptoms, and learn how to treat the consequences of coming into contact with these plants from these resources:

• Poisonous Plants (CDC)
• Protecting Yourself From Poisonous Plants – Print and put up on your bulletin board (NIOSH)
• Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac (NIH)
• Poison Oak and Ivy Training Video
• Identifying these plants (CDC)  
  

Do you have experience with poison plants? 

Some people swear by comfrey, alcohol rubs, soap and water, over the counter products, and even shoe polish for removing poison ivy from tools or for treating poison ivy rashes.  The FDA suggests Ivy Block for preventing rashes.  What’s your trick for treating, or preventing the spread of, poison ivy when you’re unlucky enough to get caught by it?