GREEN TOBACCO SICKNESS – A HEALTH HAZARD FOR TOBACCO PICKERS

Aleksoski, Jane (2022) GREEN TOBACCO SICKNESS – A HEALTH HAZARD FOR TOBACCO PICKERS. Journal of papers of the Society for science and art Prilep (Списание на трудови на ДНУ – Прилеп) (34-35). pp. 8-17. ISSN 0352 – 3497

Text (Agronomy and medicine - green tobacco leaves) DNU - Green tobacco sickness – a health hazard for tobacco pickers - Jane Aleksoski.pdf - Published Version Download (3MB)

Abstract

Abstract: Green tobacco sickness (GTS) is a condition which mainly affects tobacco pickers. It has been recorded in Asia and Latin America, among the workers who work in the tobacco fields where they pick the tobacco and place it in appropriate tobacco curers. The sickness is caused by nicotine that is absorbed through the skin while pickers handle the uncured tobacco leaves. This paper presents information on the etiology, epidemiology, symptoms and prevention of the sickness. Symptoms include pallor, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite, increased sweating, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, increased salivation, prostration, weakness, breathlessness and occasionally lowering of blood pressure.
With the changed situation, from family to farm tobacco production, conditions have been created for the emergence of GTS in Macedonia as well. There is unofficial information from tobacco pickers warning about the sickness. To prevent the spread of the sickness, workers in contact with green tobacco should be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), such as: chemical-resistant gloves, waterproof clothing, plastic aprons, rain suits and boots.
The aim of this paper is to inform the public about the so-called Green tobacco sickness, to undertake an international awareness campaign and to formulate stricter regulations for the safety of tobacco pickers.
Keywords: Green tobacco sickness (GTS), tobacco pickers, nicotine, health hazard, symptoms, protection.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Scientific Fields (Frascati) > Medical and Health Sciences > Other medical sciences
Divisions:	Scientific Tobacco Institute
Depositing User:	Prof d-r. Jane Aleksoski
Date Deposited:	05 Jun 2026 08:04
Last Modified:	05 Jun 2026 08:04
URI:	https://eprints.uklo.edu.mk/id/eprint/11580

Actions (login required)

View Item