Poor, Misunderstood Poison Ivy

What causes the itchy rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac?

• A specific type of pollen

• An oily resin called urushiol

• Tiny hairs on the plant leaves

• A bacterial infection from the plant

What is the main reason scientists believe urushiol developed in plants?

• To attract insects for pollination.

• To deter large animals from eating them.

• To act as an antimicrobial against small plant pests.

• To help the plant absorb more sunlight.

Why do humans experience an allergic reaction to urushiol, while many other animals do not?

• Humans have a specific protein in their skin cells that reacts to urushiol.

• Urushiol is a strong acid that only affects human skin.

• Animals have a natural antidote to urushiol in their bodies.

• Humans are the only species that touch these plants.

How does a person's sensitivity to urushiol typically change as they age?

• It usually increases with more exposure.

• It remains constant throughout their life.

• It can decrease as the immune system weakens.

• It only changes if they move to a different climate.