The poison found in poison ivy, oak, and sumac is extremely volatile. What is the correct answer?

The statement that the poison found in poison ivy, oak, and sumac is extremely volatile is false. The primary irritant in these plants is urushiol, a natural oil that is not classified as volatile in the traditional sense. Volatile substances tend to evaporate quickly at room temperature, which can allow them to become airborne and inhaled. However, urushiol remains a stable compound and does not readily evaporate.

Instead, it can cause skin irritation upon direct contact, and its effects persist through physical contact with contaminated objects, such as clothing, tools, or even pets that have brushed against the plants. This stability is a key factor in understanding how urushiol spreads and why it's important to wash exposed skin and contaminated items promptly to avoid reactions. The persistent nature of urushiol is what makes it necessary to handle these plants with caution, rather than any volatility which might lead to airborne exposure or quicker dispersal.