Avaliação da vestimenta-padrão utilizada durante a colheita das folhas do tabaco e implicações na prevenção da Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS)

Abstract

Context: Recently, Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS) has been confirmed among workers in a major tobacco-producing region in Brazil. This indicates the need to adopt preventive measures to control the disease. Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of the proposed use of standard clothing during tobacco leaf harvesting process, and at evaluating its applicability in the GTS prevention. Methods: Potential dermal exposure of workers to nicotine and cotinine was determined by passive dosimetry. A total of 18 workers participated in the study. These workers wore the standard protective clothing during a typical workday. Quantification of the nicotine and cotinine residues was carried out by means of UPLC-MS-MS. Results: The results showed that the clothing provided approximately 98% protection, and that its use may contribute to the GTS prevention. Conclusion: To raise awareness on the importance of the use of the clothing, associated with educational actions concerning the disease, will be the path to prevention and control of GTS.