Acute systemic reactions to carbonless copy paper associated with histamine release.
Contact urticaria and airway obstruction from carbonless copy paper. JAMA 252:1038-1041.
Allergic contact dermatitis to crystal violet in carbonless copy paper. Contact Dermatitis 17:310-326.
In addition, Johns Hopkins University published a story in the American Journal of Epidemiology (December 1999), reporting that the use of self-copying or
carbonless copy paper increases the risk of headaches, eye problems and chronic respiratory symptoms.
The doctors, who are with the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, revealed in their report that the chemicals and solvents in carbonless copy paper are inhaled and absorbed by the eyes, which come in contact with the chemicals via a worker's fingers.
Carbonless copy paper also has moved onto the radar of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health as a possible new work-site health concern.
maker of carbonless copy paper, generates 800,000 tons annually, said Bill Vandenbrandt, a company spokesman.
Manufactured since 1954, carbonless copy paper is still just a small part of the paper industry, however.
At the center of the carbonless copy paper controversy is Brenda Smith, 51, a former Bell Atlantic customer-service representative.