A cross-sectional study of respiratory and irritant health symptoms in photocopier workers in Taiwan

Photocopy workers are potentially exposed to high concentrations of a variety of pollutants emitted from photocopiers. The purpose of this study was to assess whether or not there is an excess of adverse health outcomes amongst photocopy employees. A cross-sectional health survey was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and acute irritative symptoms among 74 photocopy workers (exposure group) and 69 employees working in a optical store (control group) near three universities in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Our study showed that occupational exposure to pollutants emitted from photocopiers was not significantly associated with an excess of chronic respiratory symptoms and acute irritative symptoms in photocopy employees. This study results suggest that the current exposure levels in photocopy centers may be sufficiently safe in well-controlled work environments, especially if the photocopier is handled carefully.