Isn't it funny how the different people - different reactions. I'm allergic to lots of stuff but more traditional such as thimersol (sp?).
You should take in some of the close lookalikes and give them to the guy at work. I could just see it now if you gave him a branch of say young boxelder, or hog-peanut or wild bean. Ha! ha! I've got this vision after reading your posting of some guy just running screaming while you hold out this handful of plant.
Oh before I forget, here are the promised URLs for some not so light duty reading about sensitivity issues:
- Secondary Compounds Within the Anacardiaceae. Here's an excerpt: Not all individuals are equally susceptible to dermatitis. There is an age-associated difference in susceptibility. Lejman et al. (1984) conducted an oleoresin patch test on two age cohorts (18-25 and 65-84). In the older cohort, the allergic reaction developed more slowly and the inflammatory response was less than that observed in the younger cohort. It is believed that immune
system declines in function with age (Weksler 1981) and that the thymus-derived cells are particularly affected. Immunodeficient deficient individuals such as those with leukemia or AIDS, may be less susceptible because contact dermatitis is a cell-mediated immune reaction (Epstein et al. 1997). Individuals with asthma and/or allergies also seem to have a smaller incidence of contact
dermatitis, perhaps because of diminished immune function or because they have a smaller predilection for outdoor activities and thus have less exposure to toxins (Epstein et al. 1997)
- Hugh Moye. Here's an excerpt: Sensitivity to the toxin develops after the first contact with urushiol (Williams, et. al 1999). It is rare that the first exposure causes a reaction (Williams, et. al 1999). Sensitivity to poison ivy tends to decline with age (Williams, et. al 1999). Some people who were once allergic to poison ivy may even lose their sensitivity later in life (Williams, et. al 1999).
- Poison ivy. An excerpt: Once allergic, always allergic to poison ivy. False. A person's sensitivity changes over time, even from season to season. People who were sensitive to poison ivy as children may not be allergic as adults.
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