1
|
Ravi P, Muralidhar K, Ngaybe MGB, Nanjaiah S, Jayakrishna P, Lowe AA, Krupp K, Wilson AM, von Hippel FA, Chen Z, Gerald LB, Madhivanan P. Qualitative Study to Explore the Occupational and Reproductive Health Challenges among Women Tobacco Farm Laborers in Mysore District, India. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:606. [PMID: 38791820 PMCID: PMC11121108 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Tobacco farm laborers are primarily women and children working for very low wages. The aim of this study was to explore occupational and reproductive health challenges faced by women tobacco farm laborers in Mysore District, India. We conducted interviews and six focus group discussions among 41 women tobacco farm laborers. Codes and themes were generated based on deductive and inductive approaches using the socioecological model. Participants reported symptoms of green tobacco sickness including headaches, back pain, gastric problems, weakness, and allergies during menstruation, pre-natal, and post-natal periods. Participants had poor awareness about the health effects of tobacco farming, and there were gender inequalities in wages and the use of personal protective equipment. Participants received support from family and community health workers during their pregnancy and post-natal period. Women reported wanting maternity benefits from the tobacco board, as well as monetary support and nutritional supplements. There is a need for health education about the environmental dangers of tobacco among farm laborers, and more supportive policies for women farmworkers during pregnancy and post-natal periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Ravi
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA (P.M.)
| | | | - Maiya G. Block Ngaybe
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA (P.M.)
| | - Shivamma Nanjaiah
- Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII), Mysore 570020, Karnataka, India
| | - Poornima Jayakrishna
- Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII), Mysore 570020, Karnataka, India
| | - Ashley A. Lowe
- Advanced Nursing Practice and Science Division, College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Asthma & Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Karl Krupp
- Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII), Mysore 570020, Karnataka, India
- Public Health Practice, Policy, and Translational Research Department, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Amanda M. Wilson
- Community, Environment & Policy Department, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (A.M.W.)
| | - Frank A. von Hippel
- Community, Environment & Policy Department, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (A.M.W.)
| | - Zhao Chen
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Lynn B. Gerald
- Office of Population Health Sciences, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Purnima Madhivanan
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA (P.M.)
- Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII), Mysore 570020, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ali M, Shahrier M, Kafy AA, Ara I, Javed A, Fattah M, Rahaman ZA, Tripura K. Environmental impact assessment of tobacco farming in northern Bangladesh. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14505. [PMID: 36967923 PMCID: PMC10036671 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tobacco farming in Bangladesh has significant and far-reaching environmental impacts, affecting the land, water, and air. While the country has implemented tobacco control measures, the lack of monitoring and enforcement has resulted in environmental degradation and public health concerns. This study aims to document the environmental impact of tobacco farming in Bangladesh, adopting a qualitative approach to collect and analyze data. The study used focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a structured questionnaire survey to gather data, assessing the impact of tobacco farming on the environment, socioeconomic conditions, and human health using a five-point impact assessment scale. Results illustrated that tobacco cultivation contributes to the ecosystem and natural resource degradation, leading to a loss of habitat diversity and domestic animal death. Soil erosion, water pollution, and air pollution from excessive plowing and pesticide usage have also been observed, causing skin diseases and other health issues. Despite some economic benefits, social conditions have worsened due to drug addiction and conflicts among tobacco workers. The study will help policymakers and environmentalists by highlighting the need to take action in reducing the environmental and social impacts of tobacco farming in Bangladesh. It also informs the public about the potential tobacco production and consumption risks. This study provides important insights into the adverse effects of tobacco farming in Bangladesh and emphasizes the importance of implementing appropriate measures to reduce environmental and public health impacts.
Collapse
|
3
|
Lencucha R, Drope J, Magati P, Sahadewo GA. Tobacco farming: overcoming an understated impediment to comprehensive tobacco control. Tob Control 2022; 31:308-312. [PMID: 35241604 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-056564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco farming has emerged as an important concern for tobacco control advocates. Tobacco-growing countries face unique and important challenges to comprehensive, intersectoral tobacco control. These challenges stem from narratives that position tobacco as an important driver of economic growth and development, perpetuated by tobacco interests with close ties to government decision-making. While the global tobacco control movement has enshrined a commitment to alternatives to tobacco growing, there remain numerous obstacles. Tobacco growing is often situated in contexts with limited markets for other agricultural products, limited knowledge and economic resources to pursue alternatives, and/or a structure that favours industry control over the supply chain, all constraining the decision space of farmers. An evidence-informed approach is necessary to address tobacco supply, including growing, processing, manufacturing and trade, in this complex context. This paper reviews the economic, environmental and policy context of tobacco growing with an emphasis on the past decade of empirical work on the political economy of tobacco supply and introduces strategies to pursue alternatives. This analysis debunks many of the arguments used to perpetuate the narrative of tobacco's prosperity and provides critical insights into the institutional constraints faced by government sectors in pursuing a policy of alternatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Lencucha
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Drope
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Peter Magati
- Consultant, World Health Organization, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alves J, Da Silva FR, Kahl V, Reyes J, Lima E, Abreu MB, Thiesen FV, Dos Santos DL, Salvador M, Dos Santos Branco C, Nersesyan A, Knasmuller S, Da Silva J. Impact of nicotine-induced green tobacco sickness on DNA damage and the relation with symptoms and alterations of redox status in tobacco farmers. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 206:111397. [PMID: 33007538 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
During the harvest period, tobacco workers are exposed to nicotine and it is known that absorption of the alkaloid via the leaves causes green tobacco sickness (GST). We investigated if GST and its symptoms are associated with DNA damage and alterations of the redox status. DNA damage was measured in lymphocytes of tobacco workers and controls (n = 40/group) in single cell gel electrophoresis assays. Exposure to nicotine was determined by plasma cotinine measurements, alterations of the redox status by quantification of the total antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The symptoms of GTS included nausea, abdominal cramps, headache, vomiting and dizziness, and 50% of the workers had more than one symptom. Cotinine levels were enhanced in the workers (111 ng/mL); furthermore, the extent of DNA damage was ca. 3-fold higher than in the controls. This effect was more pronounced in participants with GST compared to healthy nicotine exposed workers and increased in individuals with specific symptoms (range 22-36%). TBARS levels did not differ between workers and unexposed controls, while TEAC values were even increased (by 14.3%). Contact with nicotine present in tobacco leaves causes GTS and leads to damage of the DNA; this effect is more pronounced in workers with GTS symptoms and is associated with alterations of the redox status. Damage of the genetic material which was found in the workers may lead to adverse long-term effects that are caused by genomic instability such as cancer and accelerated ageing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jodel Alves
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R Da Silva
- Posgraduate Program in Evaluation of Environmental Impacts, La Salle University (UniLaSalle), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Vivian Kahl
- Telomere Length Regulation Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Juliana Reyes
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Elisiane Lima
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina B Abreu
- Toxicology Institute, Catholic Pontificie University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Flávia V Thiesen
- Toxicology Institute, Catholic Pontificie University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Denise Leal Dos Santos
- Toxicology Institute, Catholic Pontificie University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mirian Salvador
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul (UCS), RS, Brazil; Mestrado em Avaliação de Impactos Ambientais, Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Cátia Dos Santos Branco
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul (UCS), RS, Brazil; Mestrado em Avaliação de Impactos Ambientais, Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Armen Nersesyan
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Siegfried Knasmuller
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Juliana Da Silva
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil; Posgraduate Program in Health and Human Development, La Salle University (UniLaSalle), Canoas, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Self-reported health problems of tobacco farmers in south-eastern Bangladesh. J Public Health (Oxf) 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-019-01159-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
|
6
|
Cargnin MCDS, Cezar-Vaz MR, Getelina CO, Bonow CA. Socio-environmental risks associated with the green tobacco sickness in farmers: a case-control study. Rev Bras Enferm 2019; 72:1670-1676. [PMID: 31644759 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2018-0803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to determine the presence of socio-environmental risk factors for the development of Green Tobacco Sickness in workers who grow Burley tobacco. METHOD matched case-control study. The data collection took place in two moments: from December 2016 to January 2017 and December 2017, when the Burley tobacco was collected, through a household survey with interview application and urine collection for urinary cotinine. RESULTS the socio-environmental risk factors that remained associated with the disease were: bundling tobacco (p=0.047) and wearing socks (p=0.011); with protective effect were found sticking tobacco seeding of the day (p=0.006) and number of tobacco harvested per day (p=0.021). CONCLUSION the steps in the Burley tobacco work process increase the exposure and risk of developing the disease. By identifying these factors, it is possible to address interdisciplinary control and prevention measures.
Collapse
|
7
|
Cezar-Vaz MR, Cargnin MCDS. Use of cotinine biomarker in workers to detect green tobacco sickness. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2019; 27:e3194. [PMID: 31618387 PMCID: PMC6792337 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.3141.3194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE using the urinary cotinine biomarker to verify the occurrence of green tobacco sickness in workers who cultivate Burley tobacco. METHOD paired case-control study, based on smoking status and on the 1:4 ratio, with participation of 20 case workers and 91 controls. Data collection included household surveys and urine collection for cotinine examination. Student's T-Test, the Mann-Whitney test, Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used. RESULTS of the 23 suspected cases, 20 showed elevated levels of cotinine, signs and symptoms of headache, skin irritation, nausea, sickness and general malaise, especially in the morning. Most had worked with tobacco that was wet from the morning dew and when the weather was warm. CONCLUSION there are signs suggestive of green tobacco sickness in Burley tobacco workers. The action of health professionals is necessary for the development of health promotion and preventive actions addressing work-related illness.
Collapse
|
8
|
McMahon LR. Green tobacco sickness: mecamylamine, varenicline, and nicotine vaccine as clinical research tools and potential therapeutics. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2019; 12:189-195. [PMID: 30650314 PMCID: PMC6786486 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2019.1570844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Green tobacco sickness occurs from transdermal absorption of chemicals from freshly harvested, green tobacco leaves. Signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal cramps. Prevalence has shifted from the United States and Europe to China, India, and Brazil. Worldwide 8 million individuals are afflicted, including women and children. Areas covered: Mecamylamine (Inversine®, Vecamyl®), a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist, should be tested as a remedy for green tobacco sickness. Mecamylamine is approved as an oral tablet for the treatment of hypertension, is safe, and is off-patent. Mecamylamine attenuates many of the effects of nicotine and tobacco including seizures, thereby supporting its use as an effective pharmacotherapy for tobacco dependence. Varenicline (Chantix®) and cytisine (Tabex®) are low efficacy (i.e. intrinsic activity) nAChR agonists, are used as smoking cessation aids, and are viable options to test as remedies against green tobacco sickness. Nicotine immunization strategies may provide further options for future testing. Expert commentary: Efforts to demonstrate reversal and/or prevention of green tobacco sickness by mecamylamine will underscore the importance of nicotine in this illness and highlight a new medication for effective treatment of tobacco poisoning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lance R McMahon
- a Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|