US EPA

2180938 

Journal Article 

Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Non-carbon Copy Paper 

Kuratsune, M; Masuda, Y 

1972 

Yes 

Environmental Health Perspectives
ISSN: 0091-6765
EISSN: 1552-9924 

NIOSH/00136062 

1 

61-62 

English 

17539088 

Non carbon copying paper was examined for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) content. Four brands of Japanese copying paper, one British, and two American copying papers were investigated. Each copying paper consisted of a set of three sheets of paper. The sheets were separately extracted with acetone for 3 days. Extracts were examined using gas chromatography. The amount of PCB sticking to the fingers by handling the copying papers was also estimated. Ninety six sets of papers (each with three sheets) were counted sheet by sheet turning each one over with the fingers. Fingers were washed with n-hexane before or after washing with soap and water and the resulting n-hexane washings were examined for PCBs. Gas chromatographic patterns observed with all brands of paper were identical to that of Kanechlor-300, a brand of PCB. The approximate concentration of PCB was 2 to 6 percent in the upper and middle sheets and 0.02 percent in the lower sheets. PCB obtained from finger washings ranged from 11.40 to 51.68 micrograms in five subjects. Washing with soap and water removed only about 33 percent of PCB. The authors conclude that common non carbon copying papers contain substantial amounts of PCB which easily stick to the fingers when the paper is handled. The use of PCB for this sort of paper should be discontinued in all countries.