Protect Yourself From Poisonous Plants!
There are plenty of potential risks that present themselves when working outdoors. Of course, one of the most dreaded is potential contact with poisonous plants. If you live in the Brandenburg, Kentucky area, or anywhere in North America for that matter, it is very likely that you will eventually come in contact with poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac since they grow in wooded/marshy areas throughout North America. If you’ve ever experienced a poison plant rash, then you already know how dreadful, itchy, and even painful it can be. Between the redness, swelling, and blisters, it’s certainly no fun. For those who are more sensitive a severe case can become quite serious, which is why poisonous plant protection is so important.
Whether you’re a homeowner who likes to work outdoors or a landscape business owner with crews under your care, you want to familiarize yourself (or your crews) with the most common poisonous plants so that they can be properly identified and avoided. While the saying “leaves of three, let it be,” is helpful for identifying poison ivy and oak, poison sumac typically comes in clusters of anywhere from 7 to 13 leaves. Even certain varieties of poison ivy and oak can have more than three leaves so don’t take it as a set-in-stone rule but more of a reminder to be cautious. The plants aren’t really poisonous, but they have a sticky, long-lasting oil called urushiol on them that causes an itchy, blistering rash after it touches your skin. Even slight contact, like brushing up against the leaves, can leave the oil behind. Poison ivy and poison oak grow as vines or shrubs and poison sumac is a shrub or tree. Urushiol begins to stick within minutes. If you know you’ve made contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac, wash the area with lukewarm water and soap ASAP. If there’s no water, rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes can remove the oil from your skin. Keep the area cool, dry, and clean. Wash your clothes, clean your shoes and hose down any garden tools that might have touched the plant.
Sometimes contact with these plants is unavoidable. Perhaps you even know you’re going to be working in an area that has poisonous plants and you’re trying to get rid of them.
According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a division of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is the urushiol oil in these plants which causes a reaction. It is released when the leaf or other plant parts are bruised, damaged, or burned. If possible you should avoid burning these plants because particles of urushiol remain in the smoke and can aggravate your eyes, nose, respiratory tract, and can land on the skin creating allergens that are inhaled can quickly become a serious medical emergency as the lungs become impacted.
It is helpful to carry urushiol oil cleansing wipes which can help to promptly remove the sticky oil. If you’re in charge of a landscape crew, make this part of their First Aid kit. If you are a homeowner, make sure you have this on hand. Wet compresses and antihistamines may be needed to address itching and reduce blistering.
If the rash becomes severe or there is any struggle with breathing, seek medical attention quickly. The sensitivity of the individual to the urushiol—as well as their level of exposure—can impact the reaction. It can dramatically vary from person to person.
When it comes to working outdoors, your safety and the safety of your crew is important. At Lancaster Lawn & Landscaping, LLC we are aware of the many dangers that can arise when performing lawn and landscaping tasks. Some simple prevention along with better awareness can go a long way in preventing an allergic reaction to poisonous plants. Stay safe when working outdoors and for all of your lawn care and landscaping needs contact Lancaster Lawn & Landscaping, LLC.