Environmental Information
2004
Treat her like a lady...
Roughly 70% of the population of the US are sensitve to Poison Ivy (source: FDA). Sensitivity is usually developed over several encounters with the plant, however a person may react to the urushiol sap of poison ivy, oak and sumac plants after just one exposure. Urushiol in the sap is what causes the blistering rash and itching. The plants are very fragile and once the plant is damaged the sap comes to surface. A slight brush to your skin or even your clothing can mean a breakout. AVOID CONTACT with this plant.
HOW DO I GET RID OF POISON IVY IN MY YARD?
First, you must realize that we humans have a different view of poison ivy, oak, and sumac than other creatures in our environment. Some birds and deer enjoy eating it in the wintertime when other foods are scarce. But if you must rid your yard of the vine, DO NOT USE CHEMICALS. There are other ways...
Mix 3 pounds of salt with a gallon of soapy water; spray the solution on the plant leaves and stems. Use protective clothing and eye gear.
You can also pull the plants from their roots and destroy them. You must get every bit of the plant--leaves, vines, and roots-- or it will sprout again. HOWEVER, please use caution. DO NOT BURN the plant and do not compost it. The FDA suggests that if you want to pull up the plants use cotton gloves WITH rubberbloves over them. Wear eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, and boots. Remove plants in the winter when the plants are dormant. Discard the plants in the woods or bury them. ALWAYS WASH CLOTHES SEPARATELY FROM UNCONTAMINATED CLOTHING. Surprisingly enough, the urushiol can remain active on clothing even after a year of exposure. Be sure to wash your tools afterwards.
For medical advice on symptoms and first aid, contact Medline Plus (a division of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health) at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000027.htm
The EPA has decided to allow sewage sludge fertilizers on farms. Farmers and others are free to use this sludge despite the amount of dioxins it contains. Studies have shown that dioxin poses a cancer risk in humans. EPA spokeswoman, Lisa Harrison, is quoted as saying, "We're deciding not to regulate dioxin in land-applied sludge that farmers use." Harrison added that the agency will instead "encourage propermanagement" of the chemicals.
In 2001, an EPA scientific advisory committee prepared a report stating that dioxins cause cancer in laboratory animals and possibly in people. This pollutant is known to build up in the fatty tissues of animals. Dioxins can potentially effect milk, beef, and fish. Humans are exposed to them when they eat animal fats. Breast-fed and unborn infants are at risk if exposed to high levels of this carcinogen.
The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) was passed in 1990 and created the U.S. National Organic Standards. The USDA is authorized to enforce the OFPA. One of the regulations of this act prohibits the use of irradiation, sewage sludge, or genetically modified organisms in organic production. Regulations also prohibit antibiotics in organic meat and poultry; and require 100% organic feed for organic livestock. More at http://www.ota.com
All the more reason to eat and live organically...
