US EPA

1144700 

Technical Report 

Occupational Exposures From Spirit-Duplicator Operations 

Halton, DM 

1983 

NIOSH/00145758 

Ontario 

P84-2E 

84-2 

The occupational exposures from copier operations are reviewed. Possible health hazards from methanol (67561) exposure such as dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, visual problems, acidosis and death are discussed. Exposure results from inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin. Studies of methanol exposure from copier operations in poorly ventilated areas are examined. A NIOSH study reports methanol concentrations of over 3,000 parts per million in Washington, DC. Methanol vapor overexposure can occur during spirit duplicating operations. Effects of crystal-violet (548629), the dye used in master sheets for copiers, is examined; studies are presently being done to assess long and short term effects of this dye on mammalian systems. Substitution of ethanol for methanol is discussed including problems of vapors and possible alcohol abuse. Other control measures are examined including other types of copiers, ventilating system improvements, respirators, and protective gloves. The author concludes that the most convenient control is to place the copier in a large, well ventilated area, and to restrict individual exposures to short periods each day. 

DCN-132997; Safety research; Industrial chemicals; Toxic vapors; Machine operation; Equipment operators; Toxic effects; Exposure levels; Control methods; Employee exposure; Occupational exposure; Safety measures