Protective Clothing as a Means of Reducing Nicotine Absorption in Tobacco Harvesters

Abstract

Green tobacco sickness is an occupational illness of tobacco illness of tobacco harvesters that is thought to be caused by dermal absorption of nicotine from contact with green tobacco leaf. Wearing of rubberized nylon rainsuits effectively prevented nicotine absorption in volunteers who picked wet tobacco. Nicotine absorption was demonstrated in workers who wore clothing that was not waterproof.