NIOSH study finds link between skin irritation and carbonless carbon paper

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BlankNIOSH study finds link between skin irritation and carbonless carbon

paper

Under certain conditions, exposure to some types of carbonless carbon paper

or its components can result in mild to moderate symptoms of skin

irritations and irritation of the mucosal membranes of the eyes and upper

respiratory tract, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and

Health. Although a similar NIOSH study in 1987 found no strong link between

negative health effects and carbonless carbon paper, continued public

interest prompted the agency to take a second look at the issue.

In rare cases, people exposed to carbonless carbon paper have developed

allergic contact dermatitis. However, NIOSH wasn't able to confirm reports

of other, more serious reactions, including neurological illnesses and

multiple chemical sensitivity.

In most cases, NIOSH said, good industrial hygiene and work practices should

reduce or eliminate the symptoms. This includes adequate ventilation,

humidity and temperature controls; proper housekeeping; minimal

hand-to-mouth and hand-to-eye contact and periodic hand cleansing.

A copy of the report is available online at

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/01-107pd.html.