Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS) is a temporary condition associated with the transdermal absorption of nicotine from wet, uncured tobacco leaves. An individual experiencing GTS may experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, tiredness and accelerated heart rate, etc. Not all individuals will experience GTS, and the nicotine exposure threshold, before symptomology, varies significantly across the population. GTS is associated with harvesting and post-harvest handling of fresh tobacco leaves, especially wet leaves and/or when an individual’s skin is moist or wet e.g., through perspiration..

Within the tobacco industry, the acts of field scouting, topping, harvesting, and handling green tobacco have been deemed as hazardous tasks that should only be performed by adults (over 18-years old) and while wearing the proper protective equipment (PPE). This obligation applies to all tobacco types and styles and method of harvest. GTS has been, and is increasingly being, viewed as a Human Rights issue.

There are limited scientific data on the occurrence of GTS in Oriental and filler styles of tobacco, as well as GTS occurrences during topping for all tobacco types. The GTS Task Force will investigate the linkages of GTS with different tobacco types, tobacco styles, methods of harvest, and the conditions of the tobacco leaves at topping, harvesting and post-harvest. The Task Force will also assess the impact PPE has on GTS occurrence.

The Task Force will conduct a literature review and then further develop the workstreams required to develop guidance on addressing GTS.

Updated November 2023