Poison ivy and other plants on outdoor jobs

Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac grow in every state except Alaska and Hawaii. When the plants are damaged or burned, they release urushiol, an oil that gives most people an allergic rash. An amount smaller than a grain of salt is enough to cause a rash in 80 to 90 percent of adults. The oil comes off the plant, and off anything that touched it, including tools, gloves, clothing and animals.

Before the work starts

• Look first. Poison ivy and poison oak have leaves in threes. Poison sumac has 7 to 13 leaflets in clusters. Walk the site and point the plants out to the crew.
• Cover up. Wear long sleeves, long pants, boots and gloves.
• Use a barrier cream. A cream with bentoquatam, put on before contact, helps block the oil. Wash it off and reapply it twice a day.

Never burn them

Smoke from burning poison ivy, oak or sumac carries the oil into the lungs and can cause severe breathing problems. Keep the crew away from any burn pile that might hold the plants. Where that can't be avoided, a half-face particle respirator rated R95, P95 or better is the minimum, and it only works with a tight seal. Respirators on the job covers fit and seal checks.

After contact

• Rinse right away. Use rubbing alcohol, a poison plant wash, or dish soap and plenty of water. Rinse often so the wash doesn't dry on the skin and spread the oil.
• Scrub under the fingernails.
• Ease the itch. Wet compresses, calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can help, and so can an oatmeal bath.
• Clean the tools. Wipe them with rubbing alcohol, or wash them with soap and plenty of water, wearing disposable gloves.
• Wash the clothes apart. Wash exposed work clothes separately in hot water with detergent. A child who touches contaminated work clothes may need a call to the pediatrician.

The rash is red, with bumps or streaks and weeping blisters, and it usually shows up within a few days. The fluid in the blisters doesn't spread it.

When to get medical help

• A severe rash, or one on the face or genitals, calls for a doctor.
• Swelling or trouble breathing is a severe allergic reaction. Call 911 or go to an emergency room, especially for someone who has had a severe reaction before.

Poison ivy, oak and sumac in the yard covers clearing the plants at home.

An annotated example

What to do next

Stock rubbing alcohol and dish soap in each truck so the crew can rinse right away. After clearing brush, clean the tools and wash the work clothes separately in hot water.