Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS) is a type of nicotine poisoning that occurs when handling uncured, or “green,” tobacco plants. This occupational illness primarily affects tobacco cultivators and harvesters and results from direct skin contact with wet tobacco leaves.
Causes and Risk Factors
The cause of GTS is the dermal absorption of nicotine from uncured tobacco leaves. Nicotine is a water-soluble chemical that dissolves into moisture on the leaf’s surface from rain, dew, or perspiration. Handling these wet leaves allows the nicotine to be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.
Several factors elevate the risk of developing GTS. Working in wet conditions increases the likelihood of the illness, as moisture is the vehicle for nicotine transfer. Workers who do not wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like waterproof gloves and rain-resistant clothing are at a much higher risk. Saturated clothing that remains in contact with the skin also facilitates greater nicotine absorption.
The upper, younger leaves of a tobacco plant contain higher concentrations of nicotine, leading to greater exposure. Younger or less experienced workers are more susceptible. The physical exertion of harvesting increases perspiration, which can enhance nicotine absorption through the skin.
Identifying Symptoms
Symptoms of GTS result from acute nicotine poisoning and typically begin during or shortly after a workday, lasting from 12 to 48 hours. The most frequently reported symptoms are nausea and vomiting, often accompanied by dizziness and headaches.
Workers may also feel weakness and experience abdominal cramping. Other signs include increased salivation, chills, and excessive sweating. In some cases, individuals might notice fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate or have difficulty breathing. These symptoms can be mistaken for heat stress or pesticide poisoning, which are common in agricultural settings.
Treatment and Prevention
If a worker shows signs of GTS, they must immediately stop contact with tobacco plants and remove any wet, contaminated clothing. The individual should wash their skin with soap and water to remove residual nicotine and prevent further absorption. For mild cases, rest and rehydration are sufficient for recovery, as the illness resolves on its own within one to two days. If symptoms are severe, such as extreme dehydration from vomiting, medical attention is recommended.
Prevention is centered on minimizing skin contact with wet tobacco leaves. The most effective measure is using personal protective equipment, including waterproof gloves, long-sleeve shirts, and water-resistant suits. It is also advised to avoid harvesting tobacco when the leaves are wet, such as in the rain or before morning dew has evaporated.
Other preventative actions include:
- Taking periodic breaks to reduce the effects of physical exertion.
- Changing out of any clothes that become wet from dew or sweat.
- Washing hands and body thoroughly with soap and water after the workday.
- Training workers to recognize symptoms in themselves and others for a quick response.