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Correct, poison ivy and several other plants (for example, poison oak and poison sumac) produce urushiols. For most people these compounds cause agonizing, itching rashes. Ingestion of poison-ivy can damage the lining of the oral cavity and the stomach, sometimes causing death. Urushiols are quite stable compounds and remain intact even in dried and dead plants. Smoke of burning plants may contain urushiols and damage lung tissue. Not everyone is allergic to urushiol. However, 50- 70% of U.S. population has an allergic reaction upon contact with this chemical.
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