The prevalence of GTS among non-FCV tobacco workers is high. However, from viewpoint of severity it can be considered as mild acute nicotine toxicity, which is relieved without medication. No significant difference is observed as regards to chronic health effects among tobacco workers and control workers.

Two types of gloves were provided to 85 non-Virginia tobacco harvesters who complained of having "green symptoms." Results show that the use of gloves causes a significant reduction in nicotine absorption as reflected by the nicotine and cotinine excretion rates and also the reduction in the prevalence of "green symptoms," since contact with the leaves and leaf-sap and the abrasions of the palms was avoided by their use. It was found that the use of rubber gloves afforded protection among 93% of the subjects, while with cotton gloves the proportion was somewhat less (78.5%). Cotton gloves were more comfortable but nondurable while the rubber ones were durable but not so comfortable.

No abstract

The use of rubber gloves reduced nicotine and cotinine absorption among 29 tobacco harvesters, as evidenced by the urinary excretion rate of nicotine and cotinine. Approximately 20% (n = 6) of the subjects reported that symptoms disappeared when they used gloves, but the remaining 23 workers complained of an occasional headache even when using gloves. Wearing of boots and socks as well as gloves prevented the symptoms and significantly decreased nicotine and cotinine excretion. This suggests that nicotine is absorbed through the feet.

No abstract