Socio-environmental risks associated with the green tobacco sickness in farmers: a case-control study

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.