Is working in greenhouses healthy? Evidence concerning the toxic risks that might affect greenhouse workers

Abstract

Greenhouses are essentially microcosms aimed at providing physical environments suitable for the survival and growth of plants. Crops grown intensively in greenhouses in Great Britain include cut flowers, pot plants and edible crops such as tomato, lettuce cucumber and celery. The enclosed conditions mean that greenhouse workers are more likely to be exposed to higher levels of plant material, plant pests and plant protection products than general horticulture workers. The potential for ill-health in greenhouse workers is examined with particular reference to Great Britain. The principal potential effects expected include irritancy, asthma, allergic aleveolitis and dermatitis. Although biological control agents are widely used, there were no reports of their having caused ill-health in greenhouse workers. About two people per year are found to have suffered ill-health as a consequence of greenhouse exposure to chemical pesticides in reported pesticides incidents in Great Britain.

Pesticide use and related health problems among greenhouse workers in Batinah Coastal Region of Oman

“…Methyl bromide has been shown to deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, 11 therefore, according to the Montreal Protocol attempts are being made to curtail its use as a fumigant. 7 In Turkey four of the five mostly used pesticides, Methamodophos, Dichlorvos, Omethoate and Phthalilmibe, belong to the "very poisonous" group. 12 We suggest that regular training programs be organized for the greenhouse workers to improve their ability to handle hazardous chemicals.…”

Low Level of Exposure to Pesticides Leads to Lung Dysfunction in Occupationally Exposed Subjects

“…radiologically pneumonia-like transient round infiltrations or chronic progressive lung fibrosis (Lings, 1982). Other studies also documented a higher risk of respiratory symptoms (Zhang et al, 2002;Wilkins et al, 1999;Bener et al, 1999;Hoppin et al, 2006) or irritative symptoms from the skin or respiratory tract (Illing, 1997).…”

Occupational risk factors for work-related disorders in greenhouse workers

“…While pesticides are extensively used on flowers to protect them against fungi and insects, they are rarely used on vegetables, and the main emphasis is on the use of biological agents. Other potentially hazardous materials used in greenhouses include the plant growth media (peat) (Illing 1997).…”