Copy Machines Can Be Deadly - Can an Air Purifier Help?

Most Americans spend the majority of their day at the office, making them highly susceptible to Sick Building Syndrome, or SBS. SBS is a combination of ailments associated with an individual's place of work, and can cause adverse side effects such as headaches, dizziness, coughing, dry skin, fatigue, and sensitivity to odors. This disorder is usually caused by faulty ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems, as well as exposure to off-gassing of building materials and chemical contaminants.

While office work seems relatively harmless, one of the most common pieces of office equipment can be a leading cause of SBS - the copy machine. For the past several years, health officials have been warning the public of the dangers of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from copy machines. In addition to trace amounts of ultraviolet light; ozone emissions and fumes; benzene; and selenium; trichloroethylene (TCE) is a common chemical compound used as a solvent in copy machines. Inhalation of such substances can cause dizziness, central nervous system depression, respiratory diseases, and has been shown to cause kidney cancer in rats.

In order to minimize the health effects from the use of photo copiers, follow these steps:

1. Choose low emission copiers such as dry process copiers rather than wet process copiers.
2. Adequately ventilate your work area through opening windows or by investing in an air purifier that is capable of removing chemicals and gases, such as the IQAir MultiGas GCX Air Purifier.
3. Have office machines serviced on a regular basis to ensure safe operation.
4. Turn off the copy machine when not in use.