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Water Resources--Office of Water Quality

9.10 PLANTS

The most common poisonous plants are the Toxicodendrons, or poison ivies, and include climbing and nonclimbing poison ivy, eastern and western poison oak, and poison sumac (fig. 9-5). Resins and secretions from these species are capable of inflicting a mild to serious skin rash on susceptible individuals (Frankel, 1991).

The best defense against Toxicodendrons and other poisonous plants is proper clothing. Long pants and sleeves will protect you in most cases, but plant poisons have been known to penetrate clothing. In the field, always wear shoes that protect your whole foot.

The oily resin of the plant is only slightly soluble in water, and the best treatment is to flush the area of skin contact with copious amounts of cold water (table 9-2). A little water spreads the poison; lots of water washes it away. Soap can remove natural skin oils that protect against penetration of the resins; warm water can also hasten the absorption.


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