Urushiol

Category

Plant-Derived Allergens

Description

Pale yellow liquid; [Merck Index]

Sources/Uses

Main toxic component of poison ivy, poison oak, Asiatic lacquer tree and other members of the genus Toxicodendron and Anacardiaceae; Used in hyposensitization therapy; [Merck Index] Present in Chinese and Japanese lacquer; [HSDB] A mixture of alkylcatechols found in the sap of Anacardiaceae plants; [Kanerva, p. 1845]

Comments

Very active allergen with skin reactions like poison ivy; [Merck Index] Emergency treatment: "Plants-toxicodendrol"; Toxicodendron plants include poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac; [HSDB]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Reference Link #2

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)