Poisonous Plants: An Outdoor Hazard That’s Out to Get You

As warmer weather approaches, so does the growth of and potential exposure to poisonous plants. Poisonous plants include poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac and can grow just about anywhere. If you find yourself working in grassy or foliage-rich areas, you run the risk of being exposed to poisonous plants.

When these plants come in contact with the skin, the sap oil (urushiol) can cause an allergic reaction.  Even when these plants are burned, a poisonous smoke, when inhaled, can cause lung irritation and severe allergic respiratory problems. Anyone who works outdoors is at risk for coming into contact with poisonous plants, but these categories are at the highest risk:

• Farmers
• Foresters
• Landscapers
• Groundskeepers
• Gardeners
• Billboard installers
• Roofers
• Pavers
• Construction workers
• Painters
• Laborers
• Mechanics
• Forestry workers
• Firefighters

How workers may be exposed to poisonous plants
Workers can be exposed in three ways:

• Direct contact with the plant
• Indirect contact (touching tools, animals, or clothing with urushiol on them)
• Inhalation of particles containing urushiol from burning plants

Symptoms to look for once skin contact has been made:

• Red rash within a few days of contact
• Swelling
• Itching
• Possible bumps, patches, streaking or weeping blisters

What to do if you are exposed to a poisonous plant:

• Immediately rinse skin with rubbing alcohol, poison plant wash, or degreasing soap (such as dishwashing soap) or detergent, and lots of water.
• Rinse frequently so that wash solutions do not dry on the skin and further spread the urushiol.
  Scrub under nails with a brush.
• Apply wet compresses, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream to the skin to reduce itching and blistering.
• An antihistamine may help relieve itching.
• In severe cases or if the rash is on the face, seek professional medical attention.
• Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room if you have a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, or have had a severe reaction in the past.

How to protect yourself:

• Dress for Success: Wear long sleeves, long pants, boots, and gloves. If clothing has been exposed, wash clothes separately in hot water with detergent.
• Barrier skin creams, such as lotion containing bentoquatum, may offer some protection.
• After use, clean tools with rubbing alcohol or soap and lots of water. Urushiol can remain active on the surface of objects for up to 5 years. And, wear disposable gloves during this process.
• Do not burn plants or brush piles that may contain poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

Martin can keep your workers protected from outdoor hazards. Contact your Martin Sales Rep or call 800.828.8116.