Assessment of nicotine exposure in tobacco harvesting and processing workers in Italy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate dermal and respiratory exposure of workers to nicotine during the harvesting of green tobacco, and drying (curing)-storage operations. Hand contamination to nicotine was evaluated by washing with 95% ethanol, and respiratory exposure to nicotine by personal air sampling with a dual stage system for particulates and vapors. Biological monitoring of exposure to nicotine was carried out by quantifyng cotinine in urine samples collected at the end of the shift. nicotine was determined by gas chromatography with selective mass detection in all matrices and cotinine in urine by liquid chromatography with selective mass detection and electrospray interface. The mean nicotine air concentrations (GM, geometric mean) were 4,6 µg/m³ and 21 µg/m³ during harvesting of green tobacco and drying respectively, the nicotine determined on the hands, was (GM) 0,18 µg/cm² in drying and 0,33, 0,17 e 1,23 µg/cm² for three different companies during harvesting. The mean cotinine concentrations (GM) in urine of no smoker workers 176 µg/l and 191 µg/l during harvesting and drying respectively, were about two orders of magnitude higher than those of a control group selected for the study (2,3 µg/l). The reason for the high contamination of the hands is primarily attribute to the conditions of the PPE (gloves) used for several days without replacement. Although the environmental exposure levels are lower than the occupational exposure limit values, proper use of PPE and personal hygiene are aspects of fundamental importance on which workers must be trained. Adequate occupational hygiene studies are essential to support and verify the working practices.