Method for detecting exposure to poison ivy and the like

• US 4,472,507 A
• Filed: 06/04/1981
• Issued: 09/18/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/1981
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Arthur W. Pluim Jr
• Original Assignee: Tri-Ban Co., Inc.
• Inventors: Pluim, Arthur W. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Turk, Arnold
• Application Number:
  US06/270,218
• Time in Patent Office: 1,202 Days
• Field of Search: 23/230 B, 23/230 M, 23/230 R, 23/932, 422/56, 422/57, 436/131, 436/183, 436/169, 424/9, 128/743, 436/904
• US Class Current: 436/131
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 31/22 using chemical indicators G01N31/02 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/523 the element being adapted for a specific analyte
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 436/904 Oxidation - reduction indicators
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/203332 Hydroxyl containing

Abstract

An indicator (10) for detecting contact with a naturally occurring polyhydroxyaromatic skin irritant or toxin like that found in poison ivy and the like comprises a carrier (12) treated with a reactant, such as ferric nitrate which reacts with the toxin and produces a distinct color change indicative of such contact.

Claims

1. A method for detecting the presence of naturally occurring polyhydroxyaromatic toxin in a natural environment comprising the steps of:

(a) applying to a surface an indicator comprising a carrier including a reactant of a type and in an amount sufficient to produce a visually observable color change in less than thirty minutes after being contacted with said toxin,

(b) exposing said surface to said environment, and

(c) observing for said color change.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said toxin is found in poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

3. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said reactant is selected from ferric nitrate, ferric chloride, ferric ammonium citrate, ferric acetate, or cupric chloride.

4. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said carrier comprises a substrate selected from paper, cloth, or foamed plastic.

5. A method in accordance with claim 4, wherein said substrate carries an adhesive layer covered by a peel-away backing.

6. A method for detecting the presence of a naturally occurring polyhydroxyaromatic toxin comprising the steps of:

(a) exposing to an environment containing said toxin an indicator comprising a carrier including a reactant of a type and in an amount sufficient to produce a visually observable color change in less than thirty minutes after being contacted with a polyhydroxyaromatic toxin, and

(b) observing for a color change in said indicator.