Study Cautiously Confirms Reactions to Copy Paper.

A long-awaited report on carbonless copy paper by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health acknowledges that the paper has caused allergic reactions in employees in the past, but it said "it is uncertain whether current formulations...represent a significant risk to exposed workers."

Workers' compensation insurers, such as Travelers Property Casualty Group, will use the scientific information to gauge future claims. "We'll use it as an information manual. It's a great summary of scientific literature that breaks down studies," said Dr. Adam Seidner, Travelers' national medical director. Travelers is the third-largest workers' comp writer in the United States, with 4.2% market share and $1.3 billion of direct premiums in 1999, according to A.M. Best Co. data.

Occupational hygienists and loss-prevention personnel can use the study when analyzing claims to understand the diagnosis, to determine the specific chemical exposure and to make the connection of exposure to the workplace, Seidner said.

Carbonless copy paper came under scrutiny as early as 1987 as a possible work-site health risk Chemicals used in the paper's coating reportedly make some users ill. Complaints range from skin and mucous-membrane irritations to multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. Bank receipts, estimates and credit-card receipts often are printed on carbonless copy paper, which is also known as NCR--no carbon required. Chemicals in the coating include formaldehyde and odorless kerosene. The chemicals and solvents can be inhaled or absorbed by the eyes.

The report recommends employers ensure adequate ventilation, humidity and temperature controls; minimal hand-to-mouth and hand-to-eye contact; and periodic cleansing of hands.