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Re: Help: rashes caused by handling produce

     Photoactivatable compounds called psoralens are common in celery.  
     Their concentration is highest in leaves.  Contact followed by 
     exposure to sun will often result in rash, or symptoms similar to 
     sunburn.  I am not sure if leaf abrasion is needed to have this 
     reaction; skin need not be damaged for the reaction.  Some of the 
     newer cultivars are so high that the leaves are not recommended for 
     consumption althought the stalk is fine.  I have read several trade 
     articles suggesting the use of gloves and arm protection during celery 
     harvest.
     
     Paul Bubrick


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Subject: Help: rashes caused by handling produce
Author:  INTERNET:jhendric@facstaff.wisc.edu at CSERVE
Date:    8/30/97 5:13 PM


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Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 14:26:16 -0500
To: sanet-mg@amani.ces.ncsu.edu
From: "John A. Hendrickson" <jhendric@facstaff.wisc.edu> 
Subject: Help: rashes caused by handling produce
     
The produce manager at a food cooperative in Madison, Wisconsin is 
desperately trying to find out why she and many of her staff have 
been suffering from serious rashes on their hands and arms over the 
past few years or more.  They believe they've narrowed it down to 
their handling of either watermelons or celery that is not certified 
organic (i.e., "commercial").  They're concerned about long-term 
effects; some are already left with scars from the rash.  Does 
anyone out there have any information on this?  Is this common in 
produce retail?  I'll forward her your replies, thankyou.
     
-John
     
     
John Hendrickson
Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems 
University of Wisconsin-Madison
1450 Linden Drive, Room 146
Madison, WI  53706
jhendric@facstaff.wisc.edu
(608) 265-3704
FAX (608) 265-3020
http://www.wisc.edu/cias