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HAZARD MITIGATORS — ALLERGIC REACTION TO PLANTS <br /> Applies to Task: QO OO ❑ OO ❑ ® ❑ O ❑ © ❑ O ❑ <br /> • Be able to recognize and identify poisonous plants indigenous to the site location (e.g., poison <br /> ivy, poison oak, poison sumac). For example, poison Ivy plants have three leaves arranged at <br /> the end of each stem. Two secondary leaves are attached opposite one another and directly to <br /> the stem at their base. The primary leaf is attached to the end of the stem. The leaves often, <br /> but NOT ALWAYS, have a shiny appearance. See photos below. <br /> • Poison Ivy often appears as ground cover at the edge of wooded areas and along trails within <br /> fields and woods. It may also appear growing from a vine wrapped around trees. <br /> • Avoid or remove poisonous plants where practicable. Wear appropriate protective <br /> clothing (e.g., gloves, long-sleeved shirts) as required. <br /> • One can become sensitized (like a latex allergy) though immune for several years at the <br /> beginning. <br /> • If you come in contact with the plant, the plant's oil will be transferred onto your skin and <br /> clothing. The best way to manage the oil is to wash skin with cool water and soap (preferably <br /> 5% tincture of green soap available at CVS). If soap and water is unavailable, thorough (2-3 <br /> minutes) rinsing with cold water may help (not warm...want to keep those pores closed!) <br /> • The lag time between exposure and symptoms can be quite long like several days. <br /> • If you are in the field, blot the area with an alcohol patch and follow by washing as <br /> soon as possible. Calamine lotion, Tecnu, yellow laundry soap, or Colloidal oatmeal <br /> (Aveeno ®) baths provide relief from itching and rashes. More Tecnu can be found at <br /> http://www.t,-clat)sinc.conV. <br /> • If you have to pass through heavy ivy growth, be sure to carefully handle your field cloths <br /> when you return. Your shoe laces will always get you if you are not careful. The oil can <br /> last on clothing for a few weeks, so wash frequently. <br /> • For additional information, please see http://poisonivy.aesir.coin/ <br /> Allergies to Plants-HazMit.doc.doc Page 1 of 1 8/3/2007 <br />