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Clinical Findings and Risk Factors for Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS) in Tobacco Farmworkers

Description

Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS) refers to nicotine poisoning in farmworkers handling and harvesting tobacco. The nicotine is mostly absorbed directly through the skin, but also may be absorbed from water vapor in the air. Recognition of risk factors and early symptoms can help reduce its severity.


 

Typical person affected: Migrant farmworker.

 

Clinical findings:

(1) nausea and vomiting

(2) headache

(3) dizziness

(4) abdominal pain or cramps

(5) difficulty breathing

(6) dehydration

 

Risk factors:

(1) direct handling of tobacco, especially when wet

(2) lack of experience in working with tobacco

 

Prevention:

(1) wearing gloves when handling tobacco at all times

(2) wearing a rain suit if the tobacco is wet

 

where:

• Wearing a rain suit in hot, humid weather can cause heat stress.

 


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