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Skin and mucous membrane problems from "no carbon required" paper
Contact Dermatitis
|March 1, 1981
Summary
Employees reported skin and mucous membrane issues linked to no carbon required (NCR) paper use. Despite negative skin tests, a study confirmed a strong association between NCR paper handling and these symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dermatology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- The Copenhagen Telephone Company uses a significant volume of no carbon required (NCR) paper annually.
- Since 1977, employees have reported symptoms such as itching, dermatitis, and mucous membrane irritation potentially related to NCR paper contact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between NCR paper use and reported health symptoms among employees.
- To determine the cause of skin and mucous membrane irritation in workers handling NCR paper.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 4000 epicutaneous (skin patch) tests on 35 employees.
- Administered a questionnaire survey to 2400 employees within the company.
Main Results:
- All epicutaneous tests for allergic reactions to paper components yielded negative results.
- The questionnaire study revealed a significant correlation between the incidence of symptoms and the intensity of work involving NCR paper.
Conclusions:
- While specific allergic reactions were not identified through skin testing, the study strongly suggests a link between occupational exposure to NCR paper and the development of irritant symptoms.
- Further investigation into the specific properties of NCR paper or work practices may be warranted to mitigate employee health issues.