Poisonous Plants

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 2 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Irritants - Poisonous Plants

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 3 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Urushiol Oil Urushiol (you-ROO-shee-ol) Main constituent of the irritant oil in plants of the Genus Toxicodendron. A mixture of several compounds which are derivatives of hydrocarbons in the C 15 to C 17 range.Urushiol (you-ROO-shee-ol) Main constituent of the irritant oil in plants of the Genus Toxicodendron. A mixture of several compounds which are derivatives of hydrocarbons in the C 15 to C 17 range.

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 4 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Rash Caused by Urushiol oilCaused by Urushiol oil –Found in the sap –Colorless or pale yellow –Turns brownish-black after exposure to air. –Oozes from any cut or crushed part of the plant, including the roots, stems and leaves Oil penetrates within minutes and binds with skin proteinsOil penetrates within minutes and binds with skin proteins Rash appears within hoursRash appears within hours 2-3 weeks to heal2-3 weeks to heal

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 5 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Poison Ivy Genus Toxicodendron Types: –Woody, ropelike vine –Trailing shrub on the ground –Free-standing shrub Normally Three Leaflets –Can vary from groups of three to nine. White Berries. Berries Ropelike Vine 3 Leaflets Waxy Cuticle White Berries

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 6 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Poison Ivy Range (climbing vine):Range (climbing vine): –East –Midwest –South Range (shrub):Range (shrub): –Northern States –Western States –Canada

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 7 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Identifying Poison Ivy Leaflets:Leaflets: –Usually three –Red early spring –Shiny green later in spring –Red or Orange in Autumn –Center leaf stem is longer –Bottom leaflets opposite each other –Usually has notched edges –White berries close to stem, base of leaflets

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 8 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Identifying Poison Ivy

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 9 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Poison Oak Changes appearance every seasonChanges appearance every season Oak like leavesOak like leaves Three LeafletsThree Leaflets Opposite lower leafletsOpposite lower leaflets Longer stem central leafletLonger stem central leaflet Leaflets with smooth hair underneathLeaflets with smooth hair underneath White flowersWhite flowers White berriesWhite berries

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 10 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Poison Oak Eastern varietyEastern variety –Southeast –Low shrub Western varietyWestern variety –Pacific Coast –6-foot-tall clumps –Vines up to 30 feet long

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 11 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Poison Oak Leaves of three, leave them be…..Leaves of three, leave them be…..

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 12 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Poison Oak - Seasons Early Spring SpringSummer FallWinterAnytime

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 13 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Poison Oak Shrubs and Vines

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 14 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Poison Sumac Most common in:Most common in: –Peat bogs of Northern US –Swampy Southern Regions Rangy shrub up to 15 feet tall.Rangy shrub up to 15 feet tall. 7 to 13 smooth-edged leaflets.7 to 13 smooth-edged leaflets. Glossy pale yellow or cream- colored berries.Glossy pale yellow or cream- colored berries.

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 15 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Identifying Poison Sumac

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 16 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Prevention Prevention is the best treatment!!!Prevention is the best treatment!!! Long pants, long sleevesLong pants, long sleeves Boots and GlovesBoots and Gloves Barrier Creams may offer some protection (e.g., Ivy Block) before exposureBarrier Creams may offer some protection (e.g., Ivy Block) before exposure Wash immediately (within 5 minutes) with cold running water (stream, lake, hose)Wash immediately (within 5 minutes) with cold running water (stream, lake, hose)

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 17 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Prevention Within the first 30 minutes, soap and water helpful, after that….Within the first 30 minutes, soap and water helpful, after that…. Clean clothes, shoes, tools, etc. Oil can last on surfaces for 1-5 years!Clean clothes, shoes, tools, etc. Oil can last on surfaces for 1-5 years! If working at a specific location where poison ivy/oak/sumac is presentIf working at a specific location where poison ivy/oak/sumac is present – Wear Modified Level D (gloves, tyveks, boot covers, etc.) –Treat plant as if it is a chemical contamination (decon)

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 18 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Treatment Over the counterOver the counter PrescriptionPrescription Home RemediesHome Remedies

Accident Costs-HLA.ppt - Page 19 MACTEC, Inc. Company Private Nettles - Stingers Genus Urtica Found in waste places and moist thickets, North America.Found in waste places and moist thickets, North America. Stems and leaves armed with hollow hairsStems and leaves armed with hollow hairs –Brittle –Gland-tipped –Easily broken If injected, liquid produces burning sensationIf injected, liquid produces burning sensation Inject chemical mixture containing:Inject chemical mixture containing: –Histamine –Acetocholine –5-hydrotryptamine –Formic Acid