Why it Pays to Keep Your Distance from Photocopiers

Can you imagine an office - a modern one at that - without even a single photocopying machine in it? That isn't likely, you may say. For the fact is, photocopiers are absolute necessities in offices and in business establishments. The office environment simply looks incomplete and totally strange without it.

Such is the importance of this office machine. It makes the reproduction of documents or any printed matter, in large volumes, a lot quicker. But for office workers whose job requires the regular use of a photocopier, be aware that the possibility of this machine harming your health does exist under two conditions: when the photocopier is placed in an area that is not well-ventilated, and if it is not properly and regularly maintained.

A photocopier that is positioned on a busy area in an office - for the convenient use of everyone - is totally misplaced. It exposes everyone in that office to the dangers of the ozone gas given off by the machine. For those who are still unaware of what ozone can do to the body (not the good that it does above the atmosphere while shielding the earth from the harmful effects of the ultraviolet rays), know that this gas can cause respiratory troubles such as severe coughing and curt breathing. It can also worsen asthma and irritate sinus. Headache and sore throat are two other possible indications of being exposed to ozone.

The area where most of the office workers generally perform their day-to-day functions is not the proper place for a photocopier. A room that is well-ventilated, and away from the area where the general office activities take place, is where a photocopier belongs. In fact, if you will care to read the machine's manual, you will note that the manufacturer has included a provision on proper ventilation. The perfect place for a photocopier is one that is close to a window that can be kept ajar. The place may be a small space or room intended as the area exclusive for the machine.

Apart from ozone, the electromagnetic field (EMF) that is produced by a photocopier is another health concern. Several studies have shown that EMFs can cause cancer and leukemia to those who are most often exposed to these menacing, invisible fields. As a precaution, keep some distance between you and the machine while copying materials in large quantities.

Regularly maintaining a photocopier is just as important as placing it in a well-ventilated area. A photocopier that is not properly and regularly maintained can emit an excessive amount of ozone. At one time or another, you probably have taken notice of a piercing smell emanating from a photocopier. This means that the machine is not in the proper condition that it must be, and that it is giving off ozone excessively.

Toner is another possible health hazard of an ill-maintained photocopier. You can tell if the machine is not properly maintained when toner dusts become evident on portions around the machine and on copies you have made. If inhaled, toner dusts can be very injurious. They can also cause irritation to the eyes.

It is highly improbable for most office workers, by the nature of their jobs, not to be using a photocopier for several times in a day. That is just fine. However, they have to keep in mind that there is sure danger in always being close to a photocopier no matter how convenient they may feel in working near one. Maintaining a safe distance from a photocopier - as far away as possible - is most ideal. [Read the Original Article]