Bureau of Workers Compensation PA Training for Health amp Safety PATHS Poison Ivy Toxicodendron radicans Defined Climbing plant Of the sumac or cashew family Western species known as Poison Oak ID: 913304
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Poison Ivy Awareness
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Bureau of Workers’ Compensation PA Training for Health & Safety (PATHS)
Poison Ivy: Toxicodendron radicans
Slide2Defined
Climbing plantOf the sumac or cashew familyWestern species known as Poison OakEach are relatedPoison Ivy has leaves like three mittens, green flowers and white berries
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Slide3Characteristics
Notched leaf; three mitten-shaped leaflets
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Slide4Characteristics
Produces an irritating oil called Urushiol which constitutes the “poison” in poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumacThis is the “poison” nature of the plantDescribed as a clear liquid in the plant’s sap, Urushiol darkens when exposed to air
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Slide5Characteristics
Poison rash-causing plant producing itching, irritation and painful rashUrushiol binds to skin upon contact causing itching, inflammation, bumps and blisteringRash: appears from 1 to 4 weeks after contact
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Slide6Is Poison Ivy Contagious?
Not from person-to-personNot by scratching since blister does not contain the Urushiol oilMay appear to spread but may be due to timing of absorption rateMay spread due to repeated exposure to other contaminated objects or oil trapped under fingernails.
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Slide7Characteristics
Although not contagious, Urushiol oil has remained active on pets; clothing and other contaminated items have been active for up to 5 yearsAbout 350,000 persons in the US are affected each year.15% to 30% of the population have no reaction to Urushiol*
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Slide8Characteristics
It can be found as a plant, bush or vine.
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Some subspecies can be found as trailing and climbing vines or as a shrub.*
Slide9Seasonal Characteristics
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Slide10Identifying Poison Ivy
Although many factors may alter the characteristics of some poison ivy, 4 items may aid in identification:1.Clusters of three leaflets2.Alternate leaf arrangement3.Lack of thorns on leaf and stem4.Each group of 3 leaflets grows on its own dedicated stem which connects to the main vine
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Slide11Identifying Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy also produces a flower from the berries
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Slide12Where Poison Ivy is Found
Found in United States, Canada and Mexico and overseas in AsiaSunny areas around forests, rocky areas, and open fields.
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Slide13Where Poison Ivy is Found
Also found in acidic to mildly alkaline soils.In areas subject to occasional flooding.It also benefits from high carbon dioxide contents in the air and is felt to be able to double its growth when carbon dioxide levels increase to 560ppm*
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Slide14Where NOT Found
Higher elevations. Not over 4,000 feetArid. Not in deserts unless along river banks. However, heavy rainfall can reactivate dormant plant growthMainland areas.Hawaii. No, but mango trees which are present contain the same UrushiolAlaska. NoWashington or Oregon State. Rarely found.
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Slide15Effects on Humans
Means of contacting:Direct Contact: inflammation, rash, blisteringInhaled (from burning plant): effects lung lining and can cause pain and possible fatal respiratory distressEaten: damages mucus lining of mouth and digestive tract
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Slide16Rhymes for Safety
“Leaves of three; let it be”1“Hairy vine, no friend of mine”2“Hair rope-don’t be a dope”“Berries white, run in fright”
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Immature berries
Slide17Allergic Reactions
According to experts at the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 85 percent of the population will develop an allergic reaction to poison ivy, oak, or sumac if exposed to them.In the woods, the water of a running stream can be an effective cleanser. If all the oil can be washed off the skin within 5 minutes of contact, there should be no reaction. If the oil remains on the skin for more than 5 minutes, washing will not prevent the rash, but it will help to prevent spreading of the oil.
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Slide18Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction is a sensitivity or overreaction by the body to a substance that does not cause a problem in most people. The substances, known as allergens, include mold spore, dust, food, or pollen
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The reaction may take many forms;
the sneezing and runny nose of hay fever (pollen allergy) or the itching and skin rash of hives. When these allergic reactions develop within minutes of exposure to an allergen, they are called immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
Slide19Allergic Reactions
The allergic response to poison ivy, oak, and sumac is not immediate, but occurs 12 to 48 hours after exposure. This type of response is known as delayed hypersensitivity. In susceptible persons, contact with these plants leads to a skin rash known as allergic contact dermatitis
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Slide20Dermatitis
Dermatitis means inflammation of the skinUsually, no visible reaction will occur the first time a person comes in contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac. In fact, one may not even realize that contact has taken place. If a reaction (rash) does appear, it may be 7 to 10 days after the first exposure
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Slide21Preventing Dermatitis
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of bentoquatam, which is available over the counter, to prevent poison ivy. It comes in a lotion that should be applied to the skin at least 15 minutes before exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac. It provides a barrier that protects against or reduces the severity of the rash caused by the plants. Susceptible persons should reapply it every 4 hours for continued protection while they are in settings where they might become exposed to poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
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Slide22Prevention Tips
Learn to identify various plantsWash anything which may have contacted the poison ivy plantThe use of a product called “Ivy Block” available over the counter
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Slide23Treatment
Various agents are available to help prevent or ease the painAlways check with your Doctor or Pharmacist
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Slide24Treatment
Various remedies exist to assist in relieving the irritation and rash of Poison IvyThese include pharmaceuticals and home remedies
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Slide25Treatment
Washing immediately with soap and water and rubbing alcohol may prevent a reaction. Soap should be able to remove oil.Burow’s solutionCalamine lotionJewelweedOatmeal baths and baking soda
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Slide26Treatment
Burow’s SolutionAluminum acetate (13%) dissolved in waterAnti-bacterial, applied to area with cold compressesBayer makes a form called Domeboro
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Slide27Treatment
Calamine Lotion. Calamine is a name forZinc oxide with usually less than 1% of iron oxideThe lotion is often mixed with other ingredients to include pramoxineUsed for relief of itchingRubbed on skin and for external use only
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Slide28Treatment
Jewelweed. Counter-reacts chemicals in other irritating plantsAlso known as “Touch-Me-Nots” since their seeds will pop if touchedSpotted “Touch-Me-Nots” have orange flowers with dark red dots is most common for treating poison ivyOften found on creek bed edges
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Slide29Treatment
Jewelweed. If exposed to Poison Ivy, Poison Oak or Stinging Nettle, slice the stem of the Jewelweed plant and rub its inside on exposed partsThis should ease irritation and may even prevent a breakout in most people.
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Slide30Treatment
Do not scratch blisters! Bacterial infection may ariseUse wet (cool) compresses or soak bodyTopical corticosteroid may be obtained OTC or see your Doctor for prescription oral formsSkin protectants should be labeled to dry oozing, weeping, or relieve itching/irritationFor target poison: ivy, oak or sumac
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Slide31Home Remedies
Dish Liquid. Immediate cleansing of contacted area is paramount attempting to remove the Urushiol oil in less than 5 minutes before it can penetrate the skin.Recommended: A grease-cutting dish washing liquid (like Dawntm) with cool water. Cool water will prevent the skin’s pores opening thereby inhibiting absorption.Rinse repeatedly with cool water and pat dry thereby not spreading oil residue
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Slide32Home Remedies
Oatmeal. Itch ReliefBoil, let cool, stir two tablespoons of baking soda into it to make a thick pasteWhen warm, apply to areaAllow to dry, then rinse off with cool waterPat dry
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Slide33Home Remedies
Baking Soda. Itch relief and rash drierMix 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon water. Make a thick paste.Apply and let dryRinse off paste with cool waterPat dry
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Slide34Home Remedies
Aloe Vera. Itch relief and healing supportApply gel to areaThe plant can be used or a purchased gelRubbing Alcohol. Itch relief and blister drierSaturate cotton ball Apply to area several times daily
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Slide35Home Remedies
Apple Cider Vinegar. Relieves red rashApply with cotton ball saturated with vinegarOral Antihistamines. Blocks histamines causing itchy rashBenadryl is exampleBought OTC (over the counter)Take as directed
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Slide36Home Remedies
Medicated Body Powder/Rubbing Alcohol. Itch reliefClean and dry areaSpread layer of alcohol over itSprinkle body powder over alcohol forming a pasteCover with gauze
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Slide37Home Remedies
Banana Peels. Itch reliefRub inside of peel over areaPotato/Oatmeal PastesBlend potato in mixer forming a pastePut paste over areaOatmeal PastesOatmeal can also be used:As a paste orMix with bathwater and soak body
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Slide38Home Remedies
Coffee. Anti-inflammatoryCold cup of black coffeeSpread over area(contains chlorogenic acid to soothe irritation)NOTE: whichever topical application, medicinal product or home remedy you elect, be careful! Some have precautions against use if you’re taking certain medications.
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Slide39See a Doctor If . . .
Your temperature is over 100oFRash tenderness, pus or soft yellow scabbingItching increases or keeps you awakeIf rash spreads to: eyes, mouth, genital area, or covers more than 25% of your skinIf rash has not improved in a few days*
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Slide40Poison Ivy Removal
Removing the threat can be done several ways, the first two (2) of which are organic:Pull them out by the roots, andSmothering3. Another method is the use of Herbicides
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Slide41Removing Poison Ivy
Ensure you are properly clothed to create a barrier between yourself and the Urushiol oilMake sure you properly dispose of Ivy and limit physical contact
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Slide42Removing Poison Ivy
If a climbing vine, cut to separate from the root.DO NOT BURN!The oil can be inhaled creating respiratory problems as well as spread the oil residue down-wind.
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Slide43Smothering Poison Ivy
Cut back close to the groundCover with newspapers, tarps or even mulchDispose of the roots of the dead vines after removing smothering agent*
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Slide44Herbicides and Poison Ivy
You can kill the poison ivy by using glyphosate-based herbicides (Roundup spray and Ortho Brush-B-Gon are just 2)Good for other plants as well
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Slide45Herbicides and Poison Ivy
Mix product with tank sprayer applying when plant is full leafed outEnsure a windless day and clear weather (no rain in forecast for 24 hours)If using on climbing vine, “paint” on the herbicide so the spray doesn’t kill the tree
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Slide46Summary
Learn to identify Poison Ivy in various seasonsIf you must work around it, wear personal protective clothingTake proper precautions during clean-up of yourself and equipment Wash yourself and Wash your equipment and toolsIf rash develops use proper medications to alleviate painIf rash or problems persist-see a Doctor
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Slide47Bibliography
Toxicodendron radicans, and “Aids to Identification,” Wikipedia, 2014Donald G. Crosby, “The Poisoned Weed: Plants Toxic to Skin,” Oxford University Press, p32, 2004. Neil L. Jennings, “In Plain Sight: Exploring the Natural Wonders of Southern Alberto, Rock Mountain Books Ltd, p 105, 2010David Templeton, “Climate change is making poison ivy grow bigger and badder,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 22, 2013.“Home Remedies” are found on eHow at http://www.ehow.com/how_2281391_treat-poison-ivy-home-remedy.
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Slide48Contact Information
Health & Safety Training Specialists1171 South Cameron Street, Room 324Harrisburg, PA 17104-2501(717) 772-1635RA-LI-BWC-PATHS@pa.gov
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Slide49Questions
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