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| [SafetyGram]{.smallcaps}                                              |
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| [USDA -- US Forest Service]{.smallcaps}                               |
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| [Coronado National Forest]{.smallcaps}                                |
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| ### Volume III, Issue 01 Tucson, Arizona January, 2006                |
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[Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac]{.underline}

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.7416666666666667in"
height="1.6680555555555556in"}

As our Coronado Firefighters battle blazes during the height of this
summer\'s wildfire season, few know that an equal danger lurks
underfoot.

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are the most common cause of
allergic reactions in the United States, noting that each year 10
million to 50 million Americans develop an allergic rash after contact
with these poisonous plants. Burning branches or logs that carry even a
small amount of urushiol, the toxin carried in poison ivy, oak, and
sumac plants, can cause people to suffer from systemic reactions and/or
respiratory attacks. The inhalation of the toxic urushiol can enter the
lungs and/or blood stream and cause internal blistering and other
related health risks. Firefighters are especially susceptible as they
battle blazes in wooded areas with a high density of poison ivy, oak,
and sumac.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac reactions are triggered by the body\'s
allergic response to urushiol, whereby the immune system attacks the
skin containing the oil, producing symptoms such as rashes, oozing
blisters, itching, and swelling. The allergic response occurs anywhere
from 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the oil and can take as long as 10
days to several weeks to heal.

Reactions to poison ivy, oak, and sumac are one of the causes of
disability and lost work time for firefighters. It is important to
become educated about how to recognize these plants and do everything
possible to minimize the chances of inhaling the toxic urushiol vapors.

Here are some tips to firefighters to avoid exposure to these toxic
plants and to treat the outbreak if it does occur:

-   Suit-Up: As you head outdoors, wear protective clothing to prevent
    the poisonous oils from touching your skin.

-   Wear Gloves: Wear thick leather gloves when handling equipment.
    Urushiol can bind to rubber hoses, tools and most pieces of
    equipment.

-   Watch Where Animals Wander: Animals do not react to poison ivy, oak,
    and sumac toxin, but rescued animals can easily carry urushiol and
    can contaminate you and your team.

-   Wear a dry bandana around your mouth to help prevent inhaling
    urushiol particles. Even though smoke may not be visibly present,
    urushiol can be carried on tiny particles of ash and dust and may
    remain in the air from a recent fire.

If You Think You Have Been Exposed to Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac

-   Cleanse: Wash your hands immediately after touching areas
    [suspect]{.underline} of being contaminated. Be conscience of where
    and what you touch after exposure. Immediately cleanse the area with
    plain soap and water. Urushiol will bind to the skin anywhere from
    five minutes to two hours after exposure.

-   Decontaminate: Remove and wash all gloves, clothes, shoes, and
    equipment that may have come in contact with the toxic plants. Don't
    forget shoelaces! The urushiol can easily transfer from the laces to
    your hands and to elsewhere after tying.

-   Don\'t Scratch! While scratching does not spread the outbreak, it
    may cause infection because it allows bacteria from dirt on the
    hands to enter the skin.

-   Get Medical Attention: Firefighters who suspect they have been
    exposed to smoke containing poison ivy, oak, or sumac, or those
    whose topical symptoms persist and/or for whom the rash has spread
    to the mouth or eyes - get medical attention immediately.

-   Inform your supervisor and fill out the appropriate documentation
    (CA-1) for a medical problem or exposure.

Other Tips:

-   Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, tucked into boots.

-   Apply barrier creams to exposed skin.

-   Educate yourself on the identification of poison ivy, oak, and sumac
    plants.

-   Educate yourself on signs and symptoms of contact with poisonous
    ivy, oak, and sumac.

Please be safe out there.

For more information about poisonous plants:

Contact your supervisor, the FMO, and/or the

Forest Safety Manager

\(520\) 388-8487