|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
All materials on this website are copyrighted. Copyright © 2005-2008 by The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York. All rights reserved.
Mac users: please note that our site is optimized for the Safari browser. |
|
Colds, aches, pains, and other ailments
|
Copier allergy?
[Reader Responses]
Originally Published: August 10, 2007
|
|
|
I am by no means a health professional, but I am an environmentalist. By not closing the lid of the copier, you release that intense light energy into the air, cause oxygen molecules to bust apart and recombine in an 03 (oxygen three) combination. For those of you who remember your middle school science class, 03 is ozone. Ground level ozone is a major pollutant in major cities, and a contributer of smog and global warming. Health effects from inhaling ozone and being in an ozone environment are exactly as you describe. Irritated eyes, itchy throat, lung irritation, and any other mucus membrane can be caused by ozone exposure. Close the lid to the copier when you use it, and maybe the problem will resolve itself without needing any increased ventilation. Signed, Enviro Geek A Note from Alice!
Ozone is a polutant of concern, especially in urban settings. However, while ozone is a byproduct of using copiers, research indicates that the amount is not usually at high levels and ozone tends to break down easily and rapidly. Additionally, no reliable evidence was found to indicate that light is a significant source of ozone from copiers. There are ozone filters availble for copiers to help reduce concerns. As noted in the original answer, good ventilation remains the primary strategy to help prevent problems for those that use copiers often. - Alice
|
Go Ask Alice! is not an emergency or instant response service.