Tobacco Work Risks Rise With Warming
Why this is here: Tobacco workers can absorb immense amounts of nicotine through their skin while harvesting, leading to a condition called green tobacco sickness.
Lewis Ziska at Columbia University connects climate change to increased risk of nicotine poisoning for tobacco workers in Brazil, China, India, and the United States. Ziska’s recent study shows these tobacco-growing regions may experience more heat and humidity. Wet tobacco leaves and sweaty skin absorb more nicotine through the skin.
Green tobacco sickness causes symptoms like vomiting and cramps. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing bodies. The study notes increased blood flow from sweating also speeds nicotine absorption.
Ziska believes acknowledging this growing danger could prompt policies protecting children from working in tobacco fields. More research is needed to fully understand the extent of climate change’s impact on nicotine absorption rates.
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