Tobacco workers at risk for “green tobacco sickness”
Dehydration, dizziness, headaches and vomiting are just a few of the symptoms of nicotine poisoning, also known as "green tobacco sickness." Workers who plant, cultivate and harvest tobacco are particularly at risk. U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez has announced the release of a recommended practices bulletin* with guidance on reducing the hazards for tobacco workers.
In recent years, the tobacco industry has undertaken voluntary efforts to curtail child labor in tobacco farming and increase protections for young workers. The department has collaborated also with state agencies, growers, farmers, manufacturers and others to increase education, training and protections for tobacco workers.