Poison Ivy growth increased by climate change, experts say

Posted by Erma Hippe on Monday, August 26, 2024

Experts from the University of Connecticut say the effects of climate change are giving the plant, poison ivy, more opportunities to grow. They say it stems from things like the loss of a forest canopy due to fires, or the higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Researchers say these CO2 levels have shown to increase the size of the plants and their irritant output.

Dr. Alexander Pozun, of the Conemaugh memorial medical center, in Johnstown, says you may not know if you have touched it. That being the main reason for irritation to the skin. Pozun says an area's change in climate can affect how much poison ivy affects you. This likely being if the plant is damaged or broken. He says to immediately wash the affected areas thoroughly with soap and water, to get the oils off your skin. Doctors say symptoms can last for a few weeks.

“It’s usually a red rash that’s very itchy. Usually, you start getting vesicles or blisters in the area of the skin that came in contact with the plant. What our body reacts to is actually the resin or the oil of the plant.” says Pozun. He says these oils can come indirectly from the plant including on pets, tools, clothing, as well as inhaling them from the burning of plants.

Resources to general information on poisonous plants can be found here, and information on poison ivy can be found here.

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfpbyqv86nZKKuqWK0s7vWrZ9moZ6Yv6at0p6bZpqpYrCttcyaq55lk52ur7PEZpyxqJWnwbR50pqw