11. Identify local poisonous plants: tell how to treat for exposure to them.

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are the most common poisonous plants in the United States. Oily sap in their leaves, stems, and roots can irritate your skin and cause it to itch. Your Scout leaders or others who know about plants can show you how to recognize and avoid the poisonous plants in your area.

Here's a little good news. The sap of poison ivy, oak, and sumac must be on your skin for ten to twenty minutes before it hinds to the cells and begins causing problems. If you think you have touched a poisonous plant, immediately wash with soap and water. The sap can also stay on clothing, so change clothes and wash the outfit you were wearing. Calamine lotion helps to relieve the itching. [See chapter 11, "First Aid," page 318.)