Posted By Bryn Maidment I heard recently on the radio that there is a new report from Scandinavia stating that photocopiers emit harmful deposits which affect the respiratory system . Did anyone else hear of this report or know where I could get some more details? I've tried a web search to no avail. Thanks Bryn

Posted By Jay Joshi I am not aware of this particular one, but the media, including the BBC "picks" up any attention grabbing item and may present it without emphasising the context. Recently, there was coverage on "harmful chemicals" being given off any new plastic products that "heat up"--such as computers etc--the chemicals were reported to be from the additives for plastic processing of the components--phthalates-- perhaps this has the same angle. The other, but not so recent is ozone generated, but that is not "news" As safety professionals, we need to know about the hazards and assess the risks etc, but it appears that due to advances in detection technology, it is now possible to monitor and detect very minute concentrations--in the order of ppb or less. Very few, if any of these reports co-relate their findings to occupational exposure limits!!!

Posted By Robert Woods Carbon black from the toner can accumulate in the lungs. there has also been a case of a woman in a copy shop contracting siderosillicosis a disease normaly seen in miners. The silicon which caused the disease came from the toners in the copier. Bob Woods Keighley Worksafe