Items such as tennis balls, golf balls, gloves, and auto tires that come into contact with poison ivy, oak, and sumac may spread the poison as well as physical contact with the plants.

The correct answer is true because items such as tennis balls, golf balls, gloves, and auto tires can indeed carry the oils from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, which are responsible for causing allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The primary culprit in these plants is an oil called urushiol, which can adhere to surfaces. This means that if a person comes into contact with these contaminated items after they have been exposed to the plants, they may transfer the urushiol to their skin, leading to a rash or allergic reaction.

In this context, it’s important to understand that it's not just direct contact with the plants that poses a risk; secondary contact through contaminated objects can also lead to exposure and potential skin irritation. This highlights the importance of being cautious around items that may have been in contact with these plants, especially if one is known to be allergic. Therefore, thorough cleaning and avoidance of these objects after they've been exposed to the plants is a necessary preventive measure.