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winter28828  
#1 Posted : 04 November 2010 14:46:39(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
winter28828

Hi All, Is there any definitive guidance out there regarding the use of photocopiers when you are pregnant. Regards james please feel free to email me on winterjamest@gmail.com
Kate  
#2 Posted : 04 November 2010 15:05:04(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

The HSE website has lots of guidance on risks in pregnancy. The fact that (as far as I remember) there is no specific mention of photocopiers might reasonably be understood to mean that there is no specific risk there (of course if, for example, the photocopier happens to be in a very tight spot that someone in the late stages of pregnancy couldn't fit in tothere would be a problem ...) See http://www.hse.gov.uk/mothers/index.htm
Terry556  
#3 Posted : 04 November 2010 15:35:01(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Terry556

Read the data sheets that come with the ink cartridges, the "R" numbers to avoid in chemicals if pregnant are as follows R40= risk of irreversible affects R45= May cause cancer R46= May cause heritable genetic harm R47= may cause birth defects R61= may cause harm to unborn child R63= possible risk of harm to unborn child R64= may cause harm to breast fed babies Photo copiers are designed for offices,and should be in a well ventilated area
holmezy  
#4 Posted : 04 November 2010 15:56:31(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
holmezy

Terry556, Whilst I accept that some of the risk phrases may be present on a toner / ink cartridge, I wouldn't consider "using a photocopier" to be a high risk activity for someone who is pregnant. Even changing the cartridge, would IMO, present minimal risk? Holmezy
bob youel  
#5 Posted : 04 November 2010 16:02:13(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel

If its an average office a photo copier is probably the least to worry about - hot tea split over her by another member of staff [ it happens!] is more likely and will cause harm
jay  
#6 Posted : 04 November 2010 17:21:24(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
jay

What you really need to indentify/assess is the exposure to the pregnant person of the "chemicals" emitted by the photocopier. In a well ventilated room, it is most unlikely to be an issue. A typical HP laser printer MSDS:- http://www.hp.com/hpinfo...j_c3909a-x_gb_eng_v9.pdf
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