Report On Carbonless Copy Paper Suggests Ways To Reduce Symptoms

Jan. 24, 2001
A report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and\r\nHealth recommends ways to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with carbonless copy paper.

A report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reviewed current scientific information on health effects associated with occupational exposure to carbonless copy paper, and recommends ways to reduce or eliminate symptoms.

Exposure to certain types of carbonless copy paper or its components has been known to result in mild to moderate symptoms of skin irritation and irritation of the mucosal membranes of the eyes and upper respiratory tract, said NIOSH, in the report, "NIOSH Hazard Review: Carbonless Copy Paper (CPP)."

In most cases, good industrial hygiene and work practices should be adequate to reduce or eliminate symptoms, NIOSH suggested.

These include adequate ventilation, humidity and temperature controls; proper housekeeping; minimal hand-to-mouth and hand-to-eye contact; and periodic cleansing of hands.

These recommendations are similar to ones that have been made by other researchers, programs and agencies in the United States and abroad, according to the report.

Data also indicate that exposure to carbonless copy paper or its components has been associated in rare cases with allergic contact dermatitis.

NIOSH also noted two case reports of various reactions in three individuals, including shortness of breath and hives.

Those cases were reported more than 10 years ago, and there is no evidence, given a lack of similar reports in more recent literature, that current CCP exposures present a risk for these effects, said NIOSH.

NIOSH also offered the following recommendations:

  • Carbonless copy paper manufacturers and their suppliers should follow professionally established "best practices" for product management, such as the American Chemistry Council''s Product Stewardship Code of Management Practices.
  • Carbonless copy paper manufacturers and their suppliers should consider how test procedures for assessing safety from skin contact can be modified to reflect exposures from high use of the paper.
  • As part of ongoing monitoring to identify potential work-related health effects in workers under general occupational safety and health programs, carbonless copy paper manufacturers and their suppliers may want to evaluate the frequency and severity of irritation in workers using carbonless copy paper.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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