Evaluation of Potential Hazards during Harvesting and Processing Cannabis at an Outdoor Organic Farm

Details

• Personal Author:
  Beezhold, Donald H. ; Burton, Nancy C. ; Couch, James R. ; Green, Brett J. ; Lemons, Angela R. ; Lowe, Brian D. ; Nayak, Ajay P. ; Victory, Kerton R.
• Corporate Authors:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Description:
  The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative to evaluate potential hazards associated with harvesting and processing cannabis at an outdoor organic farm. We evaluated ergonomic, chemical, and microbial hazards and conducted medical interviews with employees about their health concerns. Although employees did not report any work-related health problems, we identified some exposures and conditions that could affect employee health. If hand trimming tasks are performed for longer periods than we observed, the repetitive hand motions would create a risk for hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders. Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component in cannabis, was detected on all surface wipe samples collected (cannabis processing areas and on hand trimming scissor blades). This indicates the potential for dermal and ingestion exposures. However, the health implications from occupational exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol are unknown. Air samples indicated that Botrytis cinerea, a plant pathogen, was the main fungal species, while actinobacteria, common soil bacteria, was the most frequently identified bacterial phyla. Airborne exposure to actinobacteria and fungus like Botrytis cinerea can increase the risk of allergic and respiratory symptoms. Air samples for endotoxins were all below the occupational exposure limit. We also found that employees used latex gloves, which can cause allergic reactions. Glove use was required for some tasks. NIOSH investigators recommended (1) changing procedures and improving tools to reduce the potential for musculoskeletal disorders, (2) developing a cleaning schedule for work and tool surfaces, (3) training employees on tool cleaning, lubrication, sharpening, and maintenance, and (4) wearing nonlatex gloves when handling cannabis, cannabis products, or equipment that contacts cannabis.
• Subjects:
  Agriculture Bacteria Cumulative Trauma Disorders Dust Endotoxins Ergonomics Fungi Hypersensitivity Microbiology Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal System Occupational Health Personal Protective Equipment Protective Clothing Safety Skin Staff Development

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• Keywords:
  Agricultural Industry Agricultural Products Agricultural Workers Allergies Bacterial Dusts Biological Cannabis Chemical CTD Cumulative Trauma Cumulative Trauma Disorders Dermal Absorption Dermal Exposures Endotoxin Extremities Fungal Gloves Hand Hand Injuries Marijuana Metagenomics Microorganisms MSD Musculoskeletal Disorders Musculoskeletal System Disorders OSHA Region 10 Personal Protective Equipment Physical Protective Clothing Repetitive Strain Injury Repetitive Stress Repetitive Work RSI Surface Wipe THC Tobacco Farming Training

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• Source:
  Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HHE 2015-0111-3271, 2017 Apr ; :1-31
• Series:
  Health Hazard Evaluation Reports (HHE)
• DOI:
  https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHHHE201501113271
• Publisher:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Field Study
• Place as Subject:
  Washington ; OSHA Region 10
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  DSHEFS - Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies ; OD - Office of the Director ; DART - Division of Applied Research and Technology ; HELD - Health Effects Laboratory Division
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  38 pdf pages
• Contributor:
  Booher, Donald E. ; Galloway, Ellen ; King, Bradley ; Moore, Kevin ; Neumeister, Charles ; Roberts, Jennifer ; Watts, Shawna
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20049586
• NTIS Accession Number:
  PB2017-102188
• Citation:
  NIOSH [2017]. Evaluation of potential hazards during harvesting and processing ; cannabis at an outdoor organic farm. By Couch J, Victory K, Lowe B, Burton N, Green ; B, Nayak A, Lemons A, Beezhold D. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and ; Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for ; Occupational Safety and Health, Health Hazard Evaluation Report Report 2015-0111- ; 3271,
• CAS Registry Number:
  Cannabis (CAS RN 8063-14-7) ; delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (CAS RN 1972-08-3)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2017
• NORA Priority Area:
  Healthcare and Social Assistance ; Services
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• NAICS and SIC Codes:
  111910 - Tobacco Farming - (NAICS)
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:8c1ff90cf13457af3bddb34f83605be9abe9871af57c4ad7b17df514771265400381b9b8723f40658183aaf90539c03159e1727992d8439a3f8ea16ab7fcd282
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/172393/cdc_172393_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 2.43 MB ]