'Photocopier users risking their health’

Press, 17 November 1981, Page 27

'Photocopier users risking their health’

Wellington reporter Persons using photocopiers risk their health, according to a recent study of the health problems associated with the use of plain paper photocopiers done by the Health Department’s central occupational health unit. The personal health of fulltime copier operators and those who worked close to these machines was compared in the study with those of non-exposed office workers.

Air samples were taken near copiers to see if fumes given off by their machines were a hazard, and the work environment of both groups was assessed for physical and other’ health hazards. The study found no evidence of chronic health problems. However, some temporary work-related health effects were found among copier operators. These in-

eluded high eye fatigue or irritation, irritation bf nose and throat, muscular fatigue, heat discomfort, work stress, and nausea.

Plain paper copiers were found to emit chemical pollutants, but not in excess of recommended health levels. Ventilation around copiers was generally inadequate. The main recommendations arising from the study are that consideration be given to establishing a health

policy for the photocopier operators’ working environment to be assessed. The study said there was no need for copiers to be installed in separate rooms, but gave guidelines for the correct siting of machines so that discomfort from noise or fumes was minimised. Copies of the study are available from the occupational health and toxicology branch of the Health Department in Wellington, a