By Tammie Souza, FOX 32 News Weekend Meteorologist - bio | email
David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Watch where you walk and what you touch because Poison Ivy is growing faster, bigger and more potent than ever thanks to higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.
Globally the itchy, infectious plant has more than doubled in numbers over the past 60 years and is expected to double again by the end of the century. Plants take in carbon dioxide as part of their lifecycle and that includes poison ivy.
Unfortunately poison ivy is hard to kill and even when it appears dormant or leafless the vine itself can cause a rash. Experts say if you are exposed to poison ivy rinse the area immediately with rubbing alcohol followed by water. Wipe off shoes and surfaces exposed and wash clothes, separately. Your dog or cat can expose you to poison ivy if their fur has been in contact with it.
Finally, be careful what goes into that bonfire you build. Logs and brush that have poison ivy mixed in will create smoke particles that can result in problems for your throat and lungs.
Tuesday, January 22 2013 2:26 PM EST2013-01-22 19:26:59 GMT
Chicago ended an impressive 711 day streak without a sub-zero temperature Tuesday morning. That is the 4th longest such stretch since records began in 1871.
Chicago ended an impressive 711 day streak without a sub-zero temperature Tuesday morning. That is the 4th longest such stretch since records began in 1871.
Friday, January 18 2013 11:18 PM EST2013-01-19 04:18:05 GMT
Frigid Arctic air has been pent up across the Hudson Bay area for several weeks now stuck under the influence a strong polar area of low pressure also known as the "polar vortex."
Frigid Arctic air has been pent up across the Hudson Bay area for several weeks now stuck under the influence a strong polar area of low pressure also known as the "polar vortex."
Friday, January 18 2013 3:41 PM EST2013-01-18 20:41:23 GMT
The U.S. drought of 2012 is considered the worst since the 1950s, but there appears to be some brief relief.
The U.S. drought of 2012 is considered the worst since the 1950s, but there appears to be some brief relief thanks to recent soaking rains stretching from the south through the southeast and the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic states.
Monday, December 3 2012 7:18 PM EST2012-12-04 00:18:16 GMT
Warm, moist air streamed into the Chicago area today and although we were blanketed in fog and clouds, the temperatures soared to record highs between 68 and 72 degrees.
Warm, moist air streamed into the Chicago area today and although we were blanketed in fog and clouds, the temperatures soared to record highs between 68 and 72 degrees.
David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
