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Ziska LH, Parks RM. Recent and projected changes in global climate may increase nicotine absorption and the risk of green tobacco sickness. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:158. [PMID: 39097675 PMCID: PMC11297925 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00584-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dermal transfer of nicotine during tobacco harvest can cause green tobacco sickness (GTS), characterized by nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. Rainfall and high temperatures are etiological factors known to increase the prevalence of GTS. We analyzed recent and projected trends in these factors for major tobacco-growing regions to assess potential exacerbation in GTS occurrence. METHODS We analyzed climate parameters, including recent trends (since the 1970s) in temperature and precipitation metrics during the tobacco harvest period for Southern Brazil; Yunnan Province, China; Andhra State, India; and North Carolina, USA. We applied Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) based scenarios for Tier 1 Scenario Model Intercomparison Project (ScenarioMIP) within the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6), (SSPs of 1-2.6, 3-7.0 and 5-8.5 from 2020 to 2100). Established protocol for nicotine dermal patches and temperature were used as a proxy to estimate potential nicotine absorption. RESULTS For three locations, cumulative maximum temperatures during harvest and temperature extremes rose significantly since the 1970s as did cumulative rainfall during harvest. Projected maximum temperatures at SSP 3-7.0 and 5-8.5 projections through 2100 did increase for all locations. Estimates of nicotine skin absorption with rising temperature show significant increases for both recent changes in three locations, and for all locations for SSP projections of 3-7.0 and 5-8.5 from 2020 to 2100. CONCLUSIONS This study across multiple continents, highlights a potential link between recent and projected anthropogenic change and potential increases in GTS risk. Under SSP 5-8.5, nicotine absorption could increase by ~50% by the end of the century, which may have widespread impacts on the incidence of GTS, especially among younger tobacco workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis H Ziska
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Robbie M Parks
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Ziska L, Parks R. Recent and Projected Changes in Global Climate May Increase Nicotine Absorption and the Risk of Green Tobacco Sickness. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3830008. [PMID: 38352506 PMCID: PMC10862958 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3830008/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Background Dermal transfer of nicotine during tobacco harvest can increase green tobacco sickness (GTS), characterized by nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. Rainfall and temperature are established etiological factors known to increase prevalence of GTS. We aimed to analyze recent and projected trends in these factors for major tobacco growing regions to assess potential exacerbation in GTS occurrence. Methods We analyzed climate parameters, including trends in temperature and precipitation metrics during the tobacco harvest period for Southern Brazil; Yunnan Province, China; Andhra State, India; and North Carolina, USA (~50-year period). We applied Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) based scenarios for CMIP6, (SSPs of 1-2.6, 3-7.0 and 5-8.5 from 2020 to 2100). Established protocol for nicotine dermal patches and temperature was used as a proxy to estimate potential nicotine absorption with rising temperature. Results For three locations, cumulative maximum temperatures during harvest season and temperature extremes increased significantly since the 1970s. For all locations, cumulative rainfall during the harvest season also rose. Projected maximum temperatures for the harvest season increased at SSP 3-7.0 and 5-8.5 projections through 2100 for all locations. Estimates of nicotine skin absorption with rising temperature indicate significant increases for both recent changes (since the 1970s) in three of the four locations, and for all locations for the SSP projections of 3-7.0 and 5-8.5 from 2020 to 2100. Conclusions This study across multiple continents, highlights a potential link between recent and projected anthropogenic change and potential increases in GTS risk. Under SSP 5-8.5, nicotine absorption could increase by ~50% by the end of the century, which may have widespread impacts on the incidence of GTS, especially among younger tobacco workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robbie Parks
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
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Iannacci-Manasia L. Unprotected Youth Workers in US Agriculture. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1064143. [PMID: 37325300 PMCID: PMC10268000 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1064143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Iannacci-Manasia
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- School of Nursing, Molloy University, Rockville Centre, NY, United States
- Department of the Sciences of Public Health, Nursing & Pediatrics, University of Turin, Piedmont, Italy
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Ali MY, Kafy AA, Rahaman ZA, Islam MF, Rahman MR, Ara I, Akhtar MR, Javed A. Comparative occupational health risk between tobacco and paddy farming people in Bangladesh. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Fassa AG, Faria NMX, Szortyka ALSC, Meucci RD, Fiori NS, de Carvalho MP. Child Labor in Family Tobacco Farms in Southern Brazil: Occupational Exposure and Related Health Problems. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12255. [PMID: 34832014 PMCID: PMC8620869 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco farming is considered Hazardous Child Labor in Brazil. This study examined the work of children and adolescents in tobacco farming, characterizing the level of urinary cotinine and the occurrence of Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS), pesticide poisoning, respiratory symptoms, and musculoskeletal disorders. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a random sample of tobacco growers under 18 years old in Southern Brazil. Ninety-nine young people were interviewed at 79 family farms. The majority began working in agriculture before they were 14 and worked harvesting and tying hands of tobacco; 60% were 16 or 17 years old, and 51.5% were male. During their lifetime, 24.5% reported GTS, and 3% reported pesticide poisoning. In the previous year, 29.3% reported low back pain, 6.1% wheezing, and 16.2% coughing without having a cold. Half of the 12 young people evaluated had over 100 ng/mL of urinary cotinine. The study indicates that child laborers do various activities and present a high prevalence of health problems. Health workers should be trained to identify child laborers and their impacts on health. Full-time farm schools could provide knowledge about sustainable agricultural production, reducing the rates of age-grade mismatch, without taking young people away from rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaclaudia Gastal Fassa
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96030-000, Brazil; (N.M.X.F.); (N.S.F.); (M.P.d.C.)
| | - Neice Muller Xavier Faria
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96030-000, Brazil; (N.M.X.F.); (N.S.F.); (M.P.d.C.)
| | | | - Rodrigo Dalke Meucci
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil;
| | - Nadia Spada Fiori
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96030-000, Brazil; (N.M.X.F.); (N.S.F.); (M.P.d.C.)
| | - Maitê Peres de Carvalho
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96030-000, Brazil; (N.M.X.F.); (N.S.F.); (M.P.d.C.)
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Campos É, Costa VIDBD, Alves SR, Rosa ACS, Geraldino BR, Meira BDC, Cunha V, Cavalcante TM, Turci SR, Sarpa M, Otero UB. Occurrence of green tobacco sickness and associated factors in farmers residing in Dom Feliciano Municipality, Rio Grande do Sul State, Southern Region of Brazil. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2020; 36:e00122719. [PMID: 32813792 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00122719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of the green tobacco sickness (GTS) and its associated factors in tobacco familiar farmers residing in Dom Feliciano, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted evaluating the sickness in 354 small tobacco farmers, between October 2011 and March 2012. The urinary concentration of cotinine, a biomarker of exposure to nicotine, was determined during the tobacco harvest period. Subjects presenting cotinine urinary levels ≥ 50ng/mL, that had contact with tobacco leaves up to 48 hours before the sample collection and reported at least one disease symptom were deemed as cases. A non-conditional logistic analysis was performed to evaluate the association between GTS and the population characteristics. A total of 122 (34.5%) cases were identified, with 39% of them being smokers and 61% being males. The median cotinine urinary concentrations were 75.6ng/mL (74.1ng/mg of creatinine) for non-cases and 755.8ng/mL (632.1ng/mg of creatinine) for the cases (p-value ≤ 0.01). The multivariate analysis showed a positive association between GTS and sunlight exposure time, exposure to pesticides, worse health status, and inverse association with wood cultivation. This study presented a high GTS prevalence and suggest that the use of urinary cotinine is a significant biomarker to determine GTS cases, influencing in the distribution by sex. Once the tobacco production involves health hazards, is important to implement measures to prevent the harm caused to tobacco farmers, as set in articles 17 and 18 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élida Campos
- Coordenação de Prevenção e Vigilância, Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Sérgio Rabello Alves
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Bárbara Rodrigues Geraldino
- Coordenação de Prevenção e Vigilância, Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Valéria Cunha
- Coordenação de Prevenção e Vigilância, Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tânia Maria Cavalcante
- Secretaria Executiva, Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Silvana Rubano Turci
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcia Sarpa
- Coordenação de Prevenção e Vigilância, Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ubirani Barros Otero
- Coordenação de Prevenção e Vigilância, Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Fassa AG, Spada Fiori N, Dalke Meucci R, Müller Xavier Faria N, Peres de Carvalho M. [Neck pain among tobacco farm workers in Southern Brazil]. Salud Colect 2020; 16:e2307. [PMID: 33147389 DOI: 10.18294/sc.2020.2307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to assess neck pain prevalence and associated factors among tobacco farm workers. This is a cross-sectional study of 2,469 tobacco farm workers in southern Brazil. An adapted version of the Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms was used to characterize neck pain. Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression, following a hierarchical theoretical model. Neck pain prevalence in the last year among the population studied was 7.4%. Worker age, tobacco smoking, tobacco bundling, use of heavy chainsaws, working at an intense or accelerated pace and green tobacco sickness were variables associated with neck pain in females. Among males, age, use of heavy chainsaws, working in a sitting position on the ground, pesticide poisoning, and green tobacco sickness were associated with the outcome. The study reinforces the importance of ergonomic and physiological workloads in the determination of neck pain. Future studies are needed to understand the role of pesticides and nicotine exposures on musculoskeletal problems. The mechanization of tobacco harvesting could reduce ergonomic and chemical exposure, thereby improving farmers' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaclaudia Gastal Fassa
- Doctora en Epidemiología. Profesora Titular, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil.
| | - Nadia Spada Fiori
- Doctora en Epidemiología. Profesora Adjunta, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil.
| | - Rodrigo Dalke Meucci
- Doctor en Epidemiología. Profesor Adjunto, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brasil.
| | - Neice Müller Xavier Faria
- Doctora en Epidemiología. Médica Ocupacional, Departamento de Saúde, Municipio de Bento Gonçalves, Brasil.
| | - Maitê Peres de Carvalho
- Doctora en Ciencias de la Salud. Investigadora, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil.
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Carvalho MPD, Fiori NS, Meucci RD, Faria NMX, Fassa AG. Dor na coluna torácica e fatores associados em fumicultores. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE SAÚDE OCUPACIONAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/2317-6369000002019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Introdução: dor na coluna torácica diz respeito a traumas cumulativos envolvendo má postura, movimentos repetitivos e longos períodos na mesma posição. Objetivo: avaliar a prevalência de dor na coluna torácica e fatores associados em fumicultores no sul do Brasil. Métodos: estudo transversal cuja associação entre o desfecho e os fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentais, atividades laborais, cargas de trabalho e comorbidades foram examinadas pelo teste de Wald para heterogeneidade e tendência linear. A análise multivariável foi realizada utilizando modelo hierárquico e regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Resultados: o estudo envolveu 2.469 indivíduos de ambos os sexos. A prevalência de dor na coluna torácica foi de 21,2%. Limpar equipamento para aplicação de agrotóxico, número de episódios de Doença da Folha Verde, sintomas respiratórios e transtornos psiquiátricos menores foram positivamente associados ao desfecho em ambos os sexos. Tabagismo e intoxicação por agrotóxicos foram associados ao desfecho entre as mulheres, enquanto escolaridade e passar varas com folhas de tabaco foram associados aos homens. Conclusões: reestruturação ergonômica, redução das cargas de trabalho, trocas de posição durante o turno de trabalho e mecanização do processo de trabalho são estratégias importantes para reduzir a exposição à nicotina, agrotóxicos e carga de trabalho ergonômica.
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da Mota e Silva MS, da Glória da Costa Carvalho M, Moreira JC, de Oliveira Barreto E, de Farias KF, Nascimento CA, da Silva FMN, de Andrade TG, Luiz RR, de Moura Neto RS, Ribeiro FL. Green Tobacco Sickness among Brazilian farm workers and genetic polymorphisms. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:20. [PMID: 29329603 PMCID: PMC5767002 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3135-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS) is an occupational illness caused by dermal absorption of nicotine from tobacco leaves. It affects thousands of farm workers worldwide. Brazil is the second tobacco producer in the world; despite this, there are few studies on GTS among Brazilian harvesters. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of GTS among a population of tobacco workers from a producing area in northeastern Brazil and investigate whether the occurrence of the disease was influenced by factors such age, gender and smoking status. In addition, it was investigated if there was association between the onset of GTS and genetic polymorphisms in genes that encode some detoxification enzymes. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic, behavioral and occupational data from the referred workers. Polymorphisms were tested through the Polymerase Chain Reaction technique. RESULTS The total prevalence of GTS found was 56.9%, with a significant difference between genders (71.7% for women and 35.3% for men, p < 0.0001). No association was identified between the investigated polymorphisms and GTS. This study confirms the occurrence of GTS among tobacco harvesters in Brazil with high prevalence. The investigation suggests the need to take preventive measures to protect tobacco workers against this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Josino Costa Moreira
- Center for the Studies on Workers’ Health and Human Ecology-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fernanda Lattario Ribeiro
- Center for the Studies on Workers’ Health and Human Ecology-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Reis MMD, Oliveira APND, Turci SRB, Dantas RM, Silva VDSPD, Gross C, Jensen T, Silva VLDCE. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women farmers concerning tobacco agriculture in a municipality in Southern Brazil. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2017; 33Suppl 3:e00080516. [PMID: 28954049 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00080516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women farmers working in tobacco production concerning the social, environmental, and health impacts of this economic activity. Focus groups were used in this qualitative study, and themes were explored until reaching saturation. The study was conducted in a municipality (county) in southern Brazil in 2013 and included 64 women farmers. The discussions revealed participants' familiarity with health problems associated with workloads in tobacco production: green tobacco sickness, pesticide poisoning, musculoskeletal disorders, and others. The discussions also revealed a concern with the negative impacts of tobacco agriculture on the environment. They also revealed apprehension concerning decisions on switching to alternatives for sustainable agricultural production, emphasizing that on-going and systematic government support would be necessary for such a transition. Women farmers identified various factors that contribute to the persistence of tobacco farming: small holdings for cultivation, lack of guarantees for marketing crops, and indebtedness to tobacco companies. The study showed that an integrated approach is needed to deal with tobacco farmers' problems, considering a balance between farmers' beliefs and government decisions. This approach, in keeping with the recommendations of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, may help strengthen policies and measures to promote health and sustainable local development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Moreno Dos Reis
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | - Cátia Gross
- Sindicato dos Trabalhadores Rurais de Palmeira, Palmeira, Brasil
| | - Teresinha Jensen
- Superintendência de Atenção à Saúde, Secretaria de Estado de Saúde do Paraná, Curitiba, Brasil
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Walton AL, LePrevost CE, Linnan L, Sanchez-Birkhead A, Mooney K. Benefits, Facilitators, Barriers, and Strategies to Improve Pesticide Protective Behaviors: Insights from Farmworkers in North Carolina Tobacco Fields. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E677. [PMID: 28644414 PMCID: PMC5551115 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14070677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Pesticide exposure is associated with deleterious health effects. Prior studies suggest Latino farmworkers perceive little control over their occupational health. Using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical guide, we explored the perceptions of Latino farmworkers working in tobacco in North Carolina (n = 72) about benefits and facilitators of pesticide protective behaviors as well as barriers, and strategies to overcome barriers to their use. Interviews were conducted with participants at farmworker housing during non-work time. Qualitative data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Farmworkers recognized pesticide protective behaviors as helping them to not get sick and stay healthy. Farmworkers perceived work experience as facilitating protective behaviors. Wetness in the field was the most commonly cited barrier to protective behavior use. To overcome this barrier, farmworkers suggested use of water-resistant outerwear, as well as packing a change of clothes for mid-day, with space and time to change provided by employers. Examination of the efficacy and feasibility of farmworkers' suggestions for addressing barriers is warranted. Training and behavior modeling by experienced peers may improve behavior adoption and perceived control.
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Affiliation(s)
- AnnMarie Lee Walton
- School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Catherine E LePrevost
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Laura Linnan
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | | | - Kathi Mooney
- College of Nursing, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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Migrant Health. Respir Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-43447-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Riquinho DL, Hennington EA. [Tobacco cultivation in the south of Brazil: green tobacco sickness and other health problems]. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2016; 19:4797-808. [PMID: 25388188 DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320141912.19372013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The scope of this study was to identify the presence of health problems and their significance for tobacco harvesters, State representatives, civil society and the tobacco industry, and also understand their coping strategies. An ethnographic study with 35 semi-structured interviews answered by harvesters' families and key informants was carried out in a rural community in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. In addition to that, participant observation of the families was conducted. The harvesters and representatives of civil society acknowledge the presence of green tobacco sickness and other problems. Representatives of healthcare organizations do not identify or recognize the sickness as being a consequence of the productive activity linked to tobacco. Tobacco industry representatives acknowledge that there are health problems, but blame the harvesters. The conclusion reached is that there is a need for a closer approach, monitoring and intervention by Public Authorities in tobacco-producing rural communities, seeking to develop surveillance actions and promote occupational health.
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Campos Ÿ, dos Santos Pinto da Silva V, Sarpa Campos de Mello M, Barros Otero U. Exposure to pesticides and mental disorders in a rural population of Southern Brazil. Neurotoxicology 2016; 56:7-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Arcury TA, Laurienti PJ, Talton JW, Chen H, Howard TD, Summers P, Quandt SA. Urinary Cotinine Levels Among Latino Tobacco Farmworkers in North Carolina Compared to Latinos Not Employed in Agriculture. Nicotine Tob Res 2016; 18:1517-25. [PMID: 26377519 PMCID: PMC4906261 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntv187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This analysis describes urinary cotinine levels of North Carolina Latino farmworkers, compares cotinine levels of farmworkers to those of Latinos non-farmworkers, determines factors associated with farmworker cotinine levels, and determines if differences in farmworker and non-farmworker cotinine levels are associated with smoking. METHODS Data are from 63 farmworkers and 44 non-farmworkers who participated in a larger study of occupational exposures. Questionnaire data and urine samples collected in 2012 and 2013 are analyzed. RESULTS Farmworkers had urinary cotinine levels that were far greater than the non-farmworker group. Geometric mean (GM) urinary cotinine levels for farmworkers were 1808.22ng/ml in 2012, and 396.03ng/ml in 2013; corresponding GM levels for non-farmworkers were 4.68ng/ml and 9.03ng/ml. Farmworker GM cotinine levels were associated with harvesting tobacco (1242.77ng/ml vs. 471.26ng/ml; P = .0048), and working in wet shoes (1356.41ng/ml vs. 596.93ng/ml; P = .0148). Smoking did not account for cotinine level differences; the GM cotinine level for farmworkers who did not smoke was 541.31ng/ml; it was 199.40ng/ml for non-farmworkers who did smoke. CONCLUSION North Carolina farmworkers experience large nicotine doses. The long-term health effects of these doses are not known. Although procedures to reduce occupational nicotine exposure are known, no changes in work practices or in policies to protect workers have been implemented. Research on the health effects of occupational nicotine exposure must become a priority. Current knowledge of occupational transdermal nicotine exposure must be used to improve occupational safety practice and policy for tobacco workers. IMPLICATIONS This study documents the heavy burden of nicotine exposure and dose experienced by tobacco workers in North Carolina. Hundreds of thousands of farmworkers and farmers in the United States and Canada, as well as agricultural workers around the world, share this burden of nicotine exposure and dose. These results support the need to change work practices and regulations to protect workers. They also document the need to delineate the health effects of long-term exposure to high transdermal nicotine doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC;
| | - Paul J Laurienti
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Jennifer W Talton
- Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Haiying Chen
- Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Timothy D Howard
- Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Phillip Summers
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Sara A Quandt
- Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
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Sandberg JC, Nguyen HT, Quandt SA, Chen H, Summers P, Walker FO, Arcury TA. Sleep Quality Among Latino Farmworkers in North Carolina: Examination of the Job Control-Demand-Support Model. J Immigr Minor Health 2016; 18:532-541. [PMID: 26143366 PMCID: PMC4710554 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-015-0248-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sleep problems are associated with physical and mental health disorders and place individuals at an increased risk of workplace injuries. The demand-control-support model posits that job demands and the capacity to control work processes influence workers' level of distress, thereby affecting their physical and mental health; supervisor support can buffer the negative effect of high demands and low control. Data on the sleep quality and the organization of work of Latino men were collected in agricultural areas in North Carolina in 2012. 147 Mexican-born farmworkers ages 30 and older, most of whom had H-2A visas, provided information about sleep quality and organization of work. Most (83 %) farmworkers reported good sleep quality. The association between working more than 40 h per week and reporting poor sleep quality approached statistical significance. Additional research is needed to understand whether job demands, job control, and social support affect farmworkers' sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne C Sandberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1084, USA.
| | - Ha T Nguyen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1084, USA
| | - Sara A Quandt
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Haiying Chen
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Phillip Summers
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1084, USA
| | - Francis O Walker
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Thomas A Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1084, USA
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Bert BKS, Rekha H, Percy MK. Ocular injuries and eye care seeking patterns following injuries among cocoa farmers in Ghana. Afr Health Sci 2016; 16:255-65. [PMID: 27358640 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v16i1.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The work environment of cocoa farmers exposes them to several ocular hazards that predispose them to eye diseases and injuries. However, the extent of ocular injuries and health seeking patterns following these injuries are unknown among cocoa farmers in Ghana. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of ocular injuries and health seeking behaviour following injury among cocoa farmers in Ghana. METHODS Five hundred and fifty six participants were recruited through simple random sampling using a multistage approach from four cocoa growing districts in Ghana. A structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant information such as demography, ocular hazards and injuries experienced. An ocular examination was also conducted to assess the eye health of the participants. Descriptive and regression statistics were used to analyze the data. The rate of ocular injuries was calculated by using the number of injuries reported that resulted in lost work time/days divided by the number of worker years at risk of injury (sum of years worked in cocoa farms for all the participants). RESULTS The rate of ocular injuries was 11.3/1000 worker years (95% CI: 9.4 - 31) which led to lost work time of 37.3/1000 worker years (95% CI: 34.1 - 40.8). The major causes of ocular injury were plants/branches (n=73, 51.1%), chemicals (n=27, 18.9%), cocoa pod/husk (n=14, 9.8%) and occurred mostly during weeding, harvesting and chemical spraying. Few (n=34, 6.1%) participants reported the use of ocular protection. Fifty-five (38.5%) participants visited the local chemical shops, while 37 (25.9%) visited hospitals/clinics for ocular treatment of their injuries. CONCLUSION There is a high rate of ocular injuries among cocoa farmers who make insufficient use of appropriate eye care services. There is the need for eye health education among cocoa farmers in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boadi-Kusi Samuel Bert
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa. Private Bag X54001; Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. PMB
| | - Hansraj Rekha
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa. Private Bag X54001
| | - Mashige Khathutshelo Percy
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa. Private Bag X54001
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Meucci RD, Fassa AG, Faria NMX, Fiori NS. Chronic low back pain among tobacco farmers in southern Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2015; 21:66-73. [PMID: 25633930 PMCID: PMC4273522 DOI: 10.1179/2049396714y.0000000094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite tobacco farming involving intensive manual labor, chronic low back pain (CLBP) prevalence and associated factors are unknown among this occupational group. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted in southern Brazil. A random sample of tobacco farmers was interviewed. Socioeconomic and individual characteristics, occupational tasks, workloads, and comorbidities were investigated. Chronic low back pain prevalence was described in relation to independent variables, and associations were examined with Poisson regression. RESULTS Chronic low back pain prevalence was 8·4%. Increasing age, rearing two or more species of livestock (PR 1·65), exposure to tasks that require heavy physical exertion (PR 2·00), working in awkward postures (PR 1·36), green tobacco sickness (GTS) (PR 1·63), pesticide poisoning (PR 2·37), and minor psychiatric disorders (PR 2·55) were associated with CLBP. CONCLUSIONS This study found that CLBP is a relevant health problem among tobacco farmers and highlights understudied risk factors such as pesticide poisoning and GTS. Policies to minimize exposure to physiological and chemical workloads in tobacco planting to prevent CLBP are needed. Health professionals should be trained to diagnose and prevent acute low back pain episodes and thus prevent/minimize limitations and disabilities due to CLBP.
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Faria NMX, Fassa AG, Meucci RD, Fiori NS, Miranda VI. Occupational exposure to pesticides, nicotine and minor psychiatric disorders among tobacco farmers in southern Brazil. Neurotoxicology 2014; 45:347-54. [PMID: 24875484 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to pesticides has been associated with psychiatric problems among farm workers, although there is still controversy as to chemical types, intensity and forms of exposure that represent risk factors for neuropsychological problems. Furthermore, tobacco workers are exposed to dermal absorption of nicotine, although its effect on mental health has not yet been studied. OBJECTIVES To identify the prevalence of minor psychiatric disorders (MPD) among tobacco farmers and associated factors, paying special attention to pesticide and nicotine exposure. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of tobacco growers, characterizing economic indicators of the farms, socio-demographic factors, lifestyle habits and occupational exposures. Multivariate analysis was performed using a hierarchical Poisson regression model. RESULTS A total of 2400 tobacco farmers were assessed and MPD prevalence was 12%. MPD was higher among women (PR 1.4), workers aged 40 or over, tenants/employees (PR 1.8) and those who reported having difficulty in paying debts (PR 2.0). Low socioeconomic status was inversely associated with MPD prevalence. Tasks involving dermal exposure to pesticides showed risk varying between 35% and 71%, whereas tobacco growers on farms using organophosphates had 50% more risk of MPD than those not exposed to this kind of pesticide. The number of pesticide poisoning and green tobacco sickness episodes showed linear association with MPD. CONCLUSIONS The study reinforces the evidence of the association between pesticide poisoning and mental health disorders. It also points to increased risk of MPD from low socioeconomic status, dermal pesticide exposure as well as from exposure to organophosphates. Furthermore, the study reveals intense nicotine exposure as a risk for tobacco farmers' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neice Muller Xavier Faria
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Social Medicine Department, Pelotas Federal University, RS, Brazil.
| | - Anaclaudia Gastal Fassa
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Social Medicine Department, Pelotas Federal University, RS, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Dalke Meucci
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Social Medicine Department, Pelotas Federal University, RS, Brazil
| | - Nadia Spada Fiori
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Social Medicine Department, Pelotas Federal University, RS, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Iribarrem Miranda
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Social Medicine Department, Pelotas Federal University, RS, Brazil
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20
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Da Silva FR, Kvitko K, Rohr P, Abreu MB, Thiesen FV, Da Silva J. Genotoxic assessment in tobacco farmers at different crop times. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 490:334-41. [PMID: 24867698 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural workers engaged in tobacco cultivation are constantly exposed to large amounts of pesticides as well as to the nicotine present in raw tobacco leaves. Pesticides have been considered potential chemical mutagens: experimental data revealed that various agrochemicals possess mutagenic properties. Studies have affirmed that nicotine absorbed through the skin results in the characteristic green tobacco sickness (GTS), an occupational illness reported by tobacco workers. This study sought to determine genotoxic effects in farmers occupationally exposed to agrochemicals and nicotine. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 30 agricultural workers, at different crop times (off-season, during pesticides application and leaf harvest), and 30 were non-exposed. We obtained data on DNA damage detected by the Comet assay and Micronucleus test as biomarker of occupational exposure and effect. The serum cholinesterase level, which in general present relation with exposition to organophosphates and carbamates, as well as serum cotinine level, which is a metabolite of nicotine, were also evaluated. The results showed a significant increase in Damage index and frequency in tobacco farmers compared to the non-exposed group, for all different crop times; and a significant increase in micronucleated cells in the off-season group. No correlation was found between age and exposure time in relation to biomarker tests. The DNA damage was greater in males than in females, but with a significant difference only in off-season group. No difference, in cholinesterase activity, was seen among the group of farmers and non-exposed group. Elevated level of cotinine was observed in leaf harvest group. This investigation suggests increased DNA damage in all tobacco crop stages, calling attention to the significant increase during the off-season and tobacco leaf harvest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda R Da Silva
- Centro Universitário La Salle, Mestrado em Avaliação de Impactos Ambientais, Canoas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Kátia Kvitko
- Postgraduate Programme in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Paula Rohr
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Marina B Abreu
- Toxicology Institute, Catholic Pontificie University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Flávia V Thiesen
- Toxicology Institute, Catholic Pontificie University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliana Da Silva
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, Postgraduate Programme in Genetic and Applied Toxicology, Lutheran University of Brazil, Canoas, RS, Brazil.
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21
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Fassa AG, Faria NM, Meucci RD, Fiori NS, Miranda VI, Facchini LA. Green tobacco sickness among tobacco farmers in southern Brazil. Am J Ind Med 2014; 57:726-35. [PMID: 24526387 PMCID: PMC4112803 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite being the second largest tobacco producer in the world, Brazil does not have prevalence studies about green tobacco sickness (GTS). METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of Brazilian tobacco workers. The sample was described according to socio-demographic, behavioral, and occupational variables. Gender-stratified multivariate analyses examined variables associated with GTS. RESULTS GTS prevalence among men in the previous month was 6.6%, while among women it was 11.9%. Among men, age, being a non-smoker, hanging tobacco sticks in the barn, harvesting wet leaves, and exposure to physical exertion were risk factors for GTS. Among women, tying hands of tobacco, transporting bales, harvesting wet leaves, having had contact with pesticides, and exposure to physical exertion were positively associated with GTS. CONCLUSION Research is required to improve methods for GTS screening, as well as the ability to distinguish GTS from pesticide poisoning. Health professionals should be trained to diagnose and treat GTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaclaudia G. Fassa
- Social Medicine DepartmentPostgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of PelotasBrazil
| | - Neice M.X. Faria
- Municipal Health Department of Bento GonçalvesRio Grande do SulBrazil
| | - Rodrigo D. Meucci
- Social Medicine DepartmentPostgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of PelotasBrazil
| | - Nadia Spada Fiori
- Social Medicine DepartmentPostgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of PelotasBrazil
| | | | - Luiz Augusto Facchini
- Social Medicine DepartmentPostgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of PelotasBrazil
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Arcury TA, Grzywacz JG, Sidebottom J, Wiggins MF. Overview of immigrant worker occupational health and safety for the agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AgFF) sector in the southeastern United States. Am J Ind Med 2013; 56:911-24. [PMID: 23450742 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Manual labor in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (AgFF) Sector is provided primarily by immigrant workers. Limited information is available that documents the demographic characteristics of these manual workers, the occupational illnesses, injuries and fatalities they experience; or the risk factors to which they are exposed. METHODS A working conference of experts on occupational health in the AgFF Sector was held to address information limitations. This paper provides an overview of the conference. Other reports address organization of work, health outcomes, healthcare access, and safety policy. CONTENTS This report addresses how best to define the population and the AgFF Sector, occupational exposures for the sector, data limitations, characteristics of immigrant workers, reasons for concern for immigrant workers in the AgFF Sector, regulations, a conceptual model for occupational health, and directions for research and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jill Sidebottom
- Mountain Conifer Integrated Pest Management; North Carolina State University; Winston-Salem; North Carolina
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23
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Spears CR, Summers PY, Spencer KM, Arcury TA. Informal occupational safety information exchange among Latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers. J Agromedicine 2012; 17:415-20. [PMID: 22994643 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2012.713830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Latino farmworkers in North Carolina are a hard-to-reach population that faces diverse occupational health risks, including pesticide exposure. Health and safety education efforts often employ lay health advisor or promotor(a) de salud models in which farmworker community members are trained to provide health education. As a frequently tight-knit and isolated group, farmworkers may be well suited to serve as resident lay health advisors. This paper presents data collected from a nonrandom sample of Latino farmworkers living in North Carolina regarding the natural level of occupational safety information exchange among Latino farmworkers, specifically pesticide safety information. The data affirm that farmworkers informally exchange occupational safety information with one another, with the level of exchange increasing during the agricultural season. Consequently, if trained, the data suggest that farmworkers might be situated to provide in situ occupational health and safety education to their peers. This remains to be systematically tested and evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaya R Spears
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, and the Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA
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24
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Da Silva FR, Da Silva J, Nunes E, Benedetti D, Kahl V, Rohr P, Abreu MB, Thiesen FV, Kvitko K. Application of the buccal micronucleus cytome assay and analysis of PON1Gln192Arg and CYP2A6*9(-48T>G) polymorphisms in tobacco farmers. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2012; 53:525-34. [PMID: 22847926 DOI: 10.1002/em.21713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco is a major Brazilian cash crop. Tobacco farmers apply large amounts of pesticides to control insect growth. Workers come into contact with green tobacco leaves during the tobacco harvest and absorb nicotine through the skin. In the present study, micronucleus frequency, cell death, and the frequency of basal cells were measured in tobacco farmers using the buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt), in parallel with measurement of blood butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and nicotine levels. Polymorphisms in PONIGln192Arg and CYP2A6*9(-48T>G) were evaluated to verify the relationship between genetic susceptibility and the measured biomarkers. Peripheral blood and buccal cell samples were collected from 106 agricultural workers, at two different crop times (during pesticide application and leaf harvest), as well as 53 unexposed controls. BMCyt showed statistically significant increases in micronuclei, nuclear buds, and binucleated cells among exposed subjects in differentiated cells, and in micronuclei in basal cells. In addition, the exposed group showed higher values for condensed chromatin, karyorrhectic, pyknotic, and karyolitic cells, indicative of cell death, and an increase in the frequency of basal cells compared to the unexposed control group. A slight difference in mutagenicity using the BMCyt assay was found between the two different sampling times (pesticide application and leaf harvest), with higher micronucleus frequencies during pesticide application. Elevated cotinine levels were observed during the leaf harvest compared to the unexposed controls, while BChE level was similar among the farmers and controls. PONIGln192Arg and CYP2A6*9(-48T>G) polymorphisms were associated with DNA damage induced by pesticides and cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Rabaioli Da Silva
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology (PPGBM), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil
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Riquinho DL, Hennington EA. Health, environment and working conditions in tobacco cultivation: a review of the literature. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2012; 17:1587-600. [PMID: 22699649 DOI: 10.1590/s1413-81232012000600022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study presents a review of the literature published between 1979 and 2010 on health and working conditions in tobacco cultivation, with particular emphasis on the Brazilian context. A review of computerized databases (PubMed, Scopus, WilsonWeb and Bireme/PAHO Virtual Health Library - Public Health) was carried out using the following search terms: tobacco, agricultural worker health, agricultural worker disease, working conditions, unsafe working conditions, occupational risk, occupational disease, and labor force. Articles published in English, Spanish and Portuguese were analyzed. Thirty-seven articles were selected from 214 references that were initially identified. Thirty-four additional publications (reports, etc.) were also analyzed. Among the many effects described in the literature, especially noteworthy are "green tobacco sickness," respiratory disorders, musculoskeletal injuries, mental disorders, and a negative environmental impact. Very few studies have been carried out in Brazil.
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Miller ME. Historical Background of the Child Labor Regulations: Strengths and Limitations of the Agricultural Hazardous Occupations Orders. J Agromedicine 2012; 17:163-85. [DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2012.660434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Garcia D, Hopewell J, Liebman AK, Mountain K. The Migrant Clinicians Network: Connecting Practice to Need and Patients to Care. J Agromedicine 2012; 17:5-14. [DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2012.632746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Absorption of chemicals through compromised skin. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2009; 82:677-88. [PMID: 19238423 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-009-0405-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2008] [Accepted: 02/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Skin is an important route of entry for many chemicals in the work place. To assess systemic uptake of a chemical in contact with the skin, quantitative information on dermal absorption rates of chemicals is needed. Absorption rates are mainly obtained from studies performed with intact, healthy skin. At the work place, however, a compromised skin barrier, although not necessarily visible is common, e.g. due to physical and chemical damage. As reviewed in this article, there are several lines of evidence that reduced integrity of the skin barrier may increase dermal absorption of chemicals in the occupational setting. An impaired skin barrier might lead not only to enhanced absorption of a specific chemical, but also to entrance of larger molecules such as proteins and nanoparticles which normally are not able to penetrate intact skin. In addition to environmental influences, there is increasing evidence that some individuals have an intrinsically affected skin barrier which will facilitate entrance of chemicals into and through the skin making these persons more susceptible for local as well for systemic toxicity. This review addresses mechanisms of barrier alteration caused by the most common skin-damaging factors in the occupational settings and the consequences for dermal absorption of chemicals. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the importance of maintained barrier properties of the skin.
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