October 2016 – As the Tobacco Growers’ Day is approaching, October 28, the Interstate Tobacco Industry Union (SindiTabaco) reinforces the directives for safe harvest – which normally takes place from October to February, depending on the region where tobacco is produced – with the aim to avoid the Green Tobacco Sickness.
Brazil was the first country to develop specific tobacco harvesting clothing to prevent the farmer from contamination. The harvesting clothing, which the tobacco growers acquire at cost from the companies, was developed in 2009, when the SindiTabaco hired a consultancy specialized in research, development and description of the technical specifications of the clothes. In 2010 and 2011, a second company was hired, this time for assessing the efficiency of the clothing, its operational safety and the degree of protection against the Green Tobacco Sickness. The study corroborated scientifically that the harvesting clothing ensures a reduction of 98% in dermal exposure, and was considered highly efficient in controlling the problem. Furthermore, the clothing was developed to provide the workers with higher thermal comfort.
“Despite the awareness campaigns promoted by SindiTabaco officials and associated companies, along with the directives given by the extension workers, although this clothing is available at cost, some farmers still resist wearing it”, regrets Schünke, and he always addresses the theme at the Awareness Cycles. “Health is a farmer’s best asset. Little attitudes, like wearing the clothes and specific gloves, avoid reaping the leaves when they are wet, harvesting when the temperatures are milder, make it possible for the farmers to work safely”, the executive director reiterates.

[The world of Dr. Niko Tino] Always present in the seminars of the Awareness Cycles focused on such themes as farmers’ health and safety, child and adolescent protection, Dr. Niko Tino (Cristiano Pereira) presents his scientific world, irreverently addressing subjects like the use of pesticides and the Green Tobacco Sickness.

HAVE A GRASP OF IT – If during harvest no appropriate clothing is worn, the nicotine of the plant, in contact with the skin, could cause nausea or dizziness, especially if the tobacco leaves are wet with morning dew or rain. Exposure to nicotine takes place when the skin gets in contact with the resin of the leaves during harvest, at topping, when the leaves are carried out of the field and when the curing barns are loaded. Absorbed by the skin, the nicotine ends up in the blood vessels. Its absorption keeps pace with the size of the exposure, or in the event of skin lesions. Know more about the Green Tobacco Sickness.

THE TOBACCO SECTOR – Brazil is the 2nd biggest producer and the leading global exporter of lead tobacco. The tradition of tobacco farming in Brazil stems from the high profitability of the crop in small-scale farms. In the 2015/16 growing season, upwards of 144 thousand farmers in 574 municipalities in South Brazil produced 539 thousand tons. Revenue earned by the farmers was in excess of R$ 5.2 billion. In 2015, shipments abroad amounted to 517 thousand tons, bringing in revenue of US$ 2.19 billion. Access the infographics and statistics