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Know Your Enemy,
page 3
Who Gets A Rash From Poison Ivy, Oak or Sumac?
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Each year 10 to 50 million Americans develop an
allergic reaction to poison ivy, oak and sumac. Up
to 95% of people exposed to urushiol will have an
allergic reaction at some point in their life.
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As a group, poison ivy, oak and sumac are the
most common cause of allergic rashes in the United
States.
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In many areas of the country, poison ivy, oak and
sumac are the second leading cause of occupational
dermatitis for outdoor workers according to the
Centers for Disease Control.
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Poison oak is responsible for more than 50% of
worker’s compensation cases in California alone.
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In California, Oregon and Washington,
approximately one-third of United States Forest
Service firefighters are forced to leave during a
fire because of rashes caused by poison oak.
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According to the National Safety Council, other
outdoor occupations severely impacted by poison ivy,
oak and sumac include surveyors, park and highway
maintenance workers, utility workers and farmers.
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