Understanding Mangoes and Poison Ivy

Mangoes can cause allergic reactions similar to poison ivy due to the presence of urushiol, a toxin found in both plants. If someone has been exposed to poison ivy before, they are more likely to be allergic to mangoes because their body recognizes urushiol as a threat. This reaction is more likely if poison ivy exposure occurs first, as urushiol is found throughout the ivy plant but mainly in the mango peel. Handling mangoes without prior poison ivy exposure is less likely to trigger an immune response.

What toxin found in mango skin is also present in poison ivy?

• Strychnine

• Cyanide

• Urushiol

• Arsenic

How does prior exposure to poison ivy affect your reaction to mangoes?

• It has no effect on your reaction to mangoes.

• It makes you less likely to be allergic to mangoes.

• It makes you more likely to be allergic to mangoes.

• It makes you immune to mangoes.

Why does urushiol only cause an allergic reaction in a specific order of exposure?

• Because urushiol is more potent in mangoes than in poison ivy.

• Because urushiol is only found in mango stems.

• Because urushiol is found in the entire poison ivy plant but mainly in mango peels.

• Because urushiol is only active in the summer.

Where is urushiol primarily located in mangoes?

• In the mango flesh

• In the mango seeds

• In the mango peel

• In the mango juice

What part of the poison ivy plant contains urushiol?

• Only the flowers

• Only the roots

• The entire plant

• Only the leaves