This chapter delves into the common problem of rashes caused by poison ivy, oak, and sumac, focusing on their prevalence among firefighters. It contrasts the absence of effective remedies for these rashes with established preventative measures for other environmental dangers, while introducing an intriguing personal experiment aimed at building immunity to poison oak.
Probably not. But Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz decided to try anyway, putting his body — and specifically his butt — on the line to answer a seemingly straightforward question: Is it possible to build up a tolerance to poison oak by eating it?
For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts
For more, go to vox.com/unexplainable
And please email us! unexplainable@vox.com
We read every email.
Support Unexplainable by becoming a Vox Member today: vox.com/members
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices