Scientists at Duke and Harvard Universities report that an increase in global warming may boost outcrops of poison ivy and result in itchier outbreaks.

According to a report by the Associated Press, in experiments conducted in a forest at Duke University, scientists found that exposing the itchy plant to increased level of carbon dioxide, made the plant produce more urushiol, the itch causing chemical.

The scientists also noted that poison ivy exposed to increased levels of CO2 that are thought to be expected in 2050, grew three times larger than those under normal levels.

Carbon dioxide is a green house gas that traps heat similar to the way a greenhouse does and is considered a major contributor to global warming.