FAQs

What is urushiol oil?

It is the toxic chemical in poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac.

What is proper disposal method of a positive SeeLeaf detection wipe?

SeeLeaf detection wipes, which have changed color to reveal dark purple spots, discoloration, marks, stains, smudges, etc. reveal contamination with poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac urushiol toxic oil. Do not touch the purple portions of the wipe and dispose of it in a plastic bag or container.

Are SeeLeaf detection wipes safe for humans and pets?

SeeLeaf detection wipes are safe. This product has no known adverse effect on human health or animals. See Product Safety page for more information.

Is there a use by date?

SeeLeaf detection wipes are fully functional 2 years after date of manufacture.

What happens if it gets wet?

SeeLeaf detection wipes retain its ability to detect poison ivy/oak/sumac after exposure to water. One might find it easier to handle when dry.

Should I consider the SeeLeaf detection wipe contaminated with urushiol toxin once purple spots or any color change occurs?

Yes, the SeeLeaf detection wipe is contaminated and may result in an allergic reaction/rash if contacted. Portions of the wipe that have not changed color to purple are safe to handle.

Can a SeeLeaf detection wipe which does not change color be reused?

Yes, as long as the SeeLeaf detection wipe shows no signs of purple color changes, it can be used to test other plants. 

Can SeeLeaf test urushiol in a soil sample?

Urushiol containing poison ivy/oak/sumac plants could possibly be "composted" into the soil. Therefore, residual urushiol maybe present. The urushiol is not water soluble, so rain might not dilute it if there was a concentrated soil zone containing urushiol. SeeLeaf might possibly detect urushiol in the soil.

It is important to note that our allergic immune system is more sensitive to urushiol than the SeeLeaf wipes. Some people are more sensitive than others.

Can SeeLeaf detect urushiol contamination on garden tools?

Urushiol can readily be transferred directly to shear or knife blades used to cut leaves, stems or vines. Therefore, SeeLeaf may detect urushiol on the blades that come in direct contact of disrupted leaves, stems or vines of poison ivy/oak/sumac plants. SeeLeaf is sensitive, and easily detects urushiol in plant vines, stems, and leaves.

It is important to note that our allergic immune system is more sensitive to urushiol than the SeeLeaf wipes. Some people are more sensitive than others.

Is there a SeeLeaf spray version available?

Our patent covers a SeeLeaf spray solution. The product is under development.

What color must appear to render a positive result?

If your SeeLeaf detection wipe turned a bright pink/purple, it is positive for the urushiol toxin in poison sumac/ivy/oak.

How can I remove urushiol?

Dawn dishwashing detergent is very good at removing urushiol off of skin and solid surfaces. It may take several washings to remove all the urushiol.

Can I use this product on a cat/dog?

SeeLeaf detection wipes are very sensitive to urushiol oil when using them to positively identify a poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac plant. The SeeLeaf detection wipes might only detect urushiol toxin on your cat/dog if the exposure to fur contact was substantial. Your cat/dog brushing a poison ivy leaf probably does not pick up enough urushiol oil to be detected. The SeeLeaf detection wipes are very sensitive, but our immune system is much more sensitive than the wipes. Some people are more allergic than others to urushiol. Similarly, detection on clothing/auto floor mats/furniture or toys is dependent on the degree of contamination.