ABSTRACT
A variety of materials and equipment used in the work environment have been implicated as potential risk factors for illness symptoms. These include carbonless copy paper (CCP), other papers, office copy machines, video-display terminals and potentially other computer equipment. In addition, materials used to furnish building interiors may contribute to sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms. Although emissions from a variety of building materials and furnishings may be responsible for sick building complaints, much research has focused on floor coverings, particularly textile materials, and their potential for contributing to SBS symptoms and indoor air contamination. CCP has been extensively studied as a potential causal factor in office/work-related health complaints. These have included complaint investigations, human and animal exposure evaluations, cross-sectional epidemiological studies, and studies of CCP constituents potentially responsible for symptoms reportedly associated with its use by office workers.
