Carbon and carbonless copy paper

Proven allergic contact dermatitis from carbon paper is an exceptional rarity; the reported causes are dyes and plasticisers. But carbon paper is gradually being replaced by pressure-sensitive or carbonless copy paper, particularly for business forms. The method depends on mechanical pressure or chemical transfer. For the latter, colour formers are held in microcapsules, which rupture under pressure, and released when they produce the colour. Some office workers have claimed that the handling of used carbonless papers are responsible for symptoms affecting the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract, as well as systemic symptoms including headaches, drowsiness and fatigue. Patch tests are negative. If the symptoms are attributable to carbonless paper it is suggested that the colour former solvents are most likely to be responsible.