Help: Computer printer ink Allergy?

Subject: Computer printer ink Allergy?
From: GUEST,Dogsbody
Date: 05 Oct 01 - 09:49 AM

Dose anyone else have experience of being allergic to inkjet/laser printer inks? I am suffering from a runny nose (very glamourous!) and sneezing and suspect that this might be a cause (or one of). Does anyone know if this is a commonly known allergen?

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 05 Oct 01 - 10:10 AM

Wouldnt have thought so since it is quite difficult to come into direct contact with the stuff. (unless you are eating the printout or squirting the refils up yer nose :D )

More likely is, if you are handling a lot of copier paper the fine chalk coating (used to stop the sheets from sticking together) together with the mould spores that stick to it is transferring to your hands and thence to the nasal passages.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 05 Oct 01 - 10:31 AM

I have not heard of anyone having a problem with the inks, although it is certainly possible.

If you are getting a significant exposure to printer ink, it might be assumed that you are also handling significant amounts of paper(?).

A great many people have some degree of sensitivity to irritants and allergens carried by paper, particularly where cut sheets have been stored long enough to accumulate some dust, or in humid environments where various molds and fungi can get a start. The paper may look fine, but can still carry some amount of junk.

Some laser (and other) printers tend to accumulate quite a lot of loose, very fine, paper dust, which may be an irritant itself, and which may(?) serve as a nutrient or just as a carrier for various cruddy agents if inhaled. The paper dust can easily be fine enough to be airborne in fairly large concentration, especially if you have to poke around in the printer to service it. The static charge left on the paper from printing also permits the paper to carry crude around for quite a while after the sheet leaves the printer.

I have worked in offices where there seemed to be a correlation between "nose drip density" in the office population and how recently a large volume printer was serviced. Perhaps just vacuuming out the paper bins might help - or at least might help eliminate this as a factor in your problem.

John

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST,Isabella
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 05:58 PM

I am highly allergic to printing ink. I am not able to read the newspaper as it makes my eyes itch and swell and turn red. I sneeze and suffer from a runny nose. Is there such a thing as a Natural Ink - no chemicals. The chemicals that I am highly allergic to is Parapehneledamine and Quanternium.

Any suggestions ??

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: LesB
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 07:30 PM

Only to paying the exorbident prices for it.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 08:49 PM

I get contact dermatitis from xerox or laser printer toner when it's straight out of the machine (inflammation starts within minutes and persists with blistering and scaling for months unless I treat it with steroids).. No problem if I can leave the printout for half an hour or so to cool down.

Learn to spell your allergens. Paraphenylene diamine a.k.a. PPD (also used in hair dyes and photographic developers), quaternium ion (as in detergents and shampoos). With allergies to those, don't even think of setting foot inside a hairdresser's, let alone having them do anything to you. One of the few detergent/shampoos you can get that doesn't have allergenic chemical crap in it is the very cheapest shampoo made by LIDL (German supermarket chain that operates in the UK). 13p a bottle when I last bought some.

There are inks that don't have those chemicals in them, but I doubt you've much chance of finding non-allergenic printed material.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 08:56 PM

Allergy to inking components (or the paper) is possible. Take your suspicions to an allergist, and have tests made for sensitivity.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 06:06 AM

Isabella already knows what an allergy test would tell her. Her problem is finding out what products contain the allergens and finding a realistic way of avoiding them. When did you ever see a newspaper declare the chemical composition of its ink and paper?

Some people are allergic to a volatile component in the sizing of the paper used in glossy books. In that case you can often deal with the problem by leaving the book standing up in sunlight with its pages fanned out for a week or two. That's not likely to be feasible for a newspaper.

I just looked at the bottle of that LIDL sport shower gel. It does contain quaternium, unfortunately. Probably the best solution would be the pure olive oil soaps you get in farmer's markets and the like, and shaving soap (the old-fashioned solid bars, which I most often find in Turkish food shops) for shampoo - these are usually a pure potassium soap, but read the label. (NB, quaternium is often labelled as "anionic surfactant").

The really important thing with those allergies is to avoid hairdressing products. They will give you an overwhelming dose of both PPD and quaternium. Delayed multiple chemical sensitivity is so common in ex-hairdressers that it's surprising it hasn't been the basis for a class-action lawsuit by now. (Former employees of photo processing labs face the same risks).

Allergic cross-reactions make this even more complicated. I first got that contact dermatitis when working in a slaughterhouse. My immune system seems not to be able to tell the difference between a xerox machine and the warm, steaming guts of a freshly killed sheep.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: olddude
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 08:53 PM

If you will pay for shipping I will send you an HP 5 Laser printer in perfect shape with new toner cartrige

Dan

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: raredance
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 01:47 AM

Check out this recent report from Science Daily


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090211094043.htm

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 05:47 AM

I have an HP 5M myself - it's wonderful but its toner will set my dermatitis off if I don't let the printout cool, just like anything with a laser engine.

It looks from that Science Daily article that a lot of the health problems with printers would be avoided if everybody did what I know I've got to.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 09:07 AM

Curiously despite my earlier answer, I was in conversation with an occupational health manager the other day and he assured me that the release of pariculate toner especially in air-conditioned offices was often the cause of the sniffles. Apparently concentrations increase markedly if a printer or copier jams frequently, as opening and then slamming the front panel and paper drawers of the machine releases clouds of particulates into the air circulation.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 09:37 AM

It has long been established that placing copiers close to people, or having the copier in a small, designated room with inadequate extration facilities, will cause reactions - usually respiritory ailments and symptoms associated with hay-fever or asthma.

Unfortunately, no-one has yet come up with an alternative to particulate toner cartridges that is cost effective.

LTS

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 09:46 AM

They don't need an alternative. They need dust extraction systems.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: olddude
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 11:38 AM

well I sure don't want to give you anything that would make it worse. I thought if the ink jets did it maybe the toner would not but it sounds like toner is even worse from what folks have written

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST,JT
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 05:07 PM

Believe me, an allergic reaction to laser printer or copier ink is very real. I suffer from this as well as allergic to most book and magazine ink. However, the liquid toners do not bother me, so I try to print eveything I need on a deskjet printer, or read online or on an ebook.

It is not just right after printing - I am affected by shuffling paper months after it has been printed. The VOCs remain on the page, and are only released into the air when they are separated and moved around.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 03:35 AM

Guest Isabella says "The chemicals that I am highly allergic to is Parapehneledamine and Quanternium.
Any suggestions ?? "

Yes, "mind your Ps & Qs"

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 08:57 AM

not inkerpacitated are you?

I'll get my coat............

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST,Judy Epstein
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 06:45 PM

When I am exposed to solvents from printer ink in an enclosed room I can get a serious reaction that has the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, creating numbness in parts of the body making it hard to function. Very fortunately for me, this goes away in 2-4 weeks depending on the severity of the exposure. I still use a printer and have one in my house, but I open the doors and windows and leave the room, shuuting the door after me when I press the copy button.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: Rowan
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 09:08 PM

Early laser photocopiers were known to emit ozone in quantities that required active ventilation of the area where they were used, although not many employers bothered to provide it until directed to a few OH&S determinations.

I don't know the legal situation in the 'catter places north of the equator but, in Oz, suppliers of chemicals or containers that dispense chemicals are legally required to provide, on request, a Material Safety Data Sheet. This lists swag of useful info, including the chemical's known allergenic properties.

MSDSs come in at least two forms; a short form (around 4 pages long, and a long form about 12 pages long. They may be requested from the manufacturer either directly or via the distributor. The manufacturer is obliged to send you one at no cost; subsequent copies are charged.

There are web sites of searchable databases of MSDSs but the one I use from work requires membership, as they provide the info in both forms and in about 12 languages, as well as other features; Compounds and mixtures are searchable under real or known trade names.

BTW, there is no such thing that is "chemical-free".

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST,Monty
Date: 15 Feb 10 - 09:26 PM

I get a runny nose, sneeze and get burning and itching eyes when I read newspaers and magazines. The same is true when I use my inkjet printer.
Research on the internet leads me to believe that formaldehde in the paper and/or ink is the problem when it outgasses before it dries. (Old newspapers are not a problem -- just fresh ones).
Tree resins in the paper may also cause problems.

I delay reading newspapers for a day after they are delived and that has helped some. One person suggested warming them in the oven!

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST,LAE
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 01:49 PM

I am an author (Miracles Only Come in One Size) who is very severely allergic to printed material. I am in the process of gathering information to write an article on print allergies. I would love to hear some of your personal stories. If you wish to share, please call 602-735-3033 and leave a call back number or clearlly state your email address. I believe this is a serious health hazzard. I have reason to believe it is poisoning many people who can't make the association or who have doctors who have diagnosed it incorrectly and they are simply adding more poisons in the form of medication. My reactions to ink are completely debilitating. Help me reach out to those who are unknowingly suffering from this.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 03:03 PM

I for one am not about to do unpaid research for somebody who's writing for a publication that will probably have far less public reach than Mudcat. I've already posted a fair bit on this thread, if you want more ask right here. It's not a particularly central issue to the forum but it will at least be accessible to anyone via search engines.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 02:30 PM

I am an author (Miracles Only Come in One Size) who is very severely allergic to printed material. I am in the process of gathering information to write an article on print allergies. I would love to hear some of your personal stories. If you wish to share, please call 602-735-3033 and leave a call back number or clearlly state your email address. I believe this is a serious health hazzard.

I'm a little sceptical about an author who can neither spell, nor use a spell checker!

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 09:33 PM

Toner almost killed me, Had it on my hands and went to smoke a cigarette, right away the area where my finger had touched my lip became incredibly swollen and quickly progressed, i didnt know why the swelling was happening and being interested i kept touching it,   30 minutes later my entire face/neck was swollen so bad that i no longer looked like myself, i couldnt bend my head back at all because my neck so swollen. breathing became difficult and sheer panic set in... my wife crushed 4 benedryl tablets and had me drink that on the way to the hosp and probably saved my life with that. So not quite ink but close :)

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 08:12 AM

i work for a printing company. my hands started itchin and getting puffy . also white and black speck started comming out of my hands/ could i be allergic to the ink?

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 03:24 PM

I wish I just got a runny nose or rash, I have been diagnosed with everything from severe food allergies to phsycological disorders only to find that I am only sick when I am handling printed papers or reading. That just so happens to be 90 percent of my life and until I removed myself from all of this ink I did'nt realize it. My question is does anyone know what to do if I suspect my kids have inherited this and they are always sick during school with all the freshly printed worksheets??

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 06:16 PM

In addition to the last post, has anyone else have trouble handling money?? Has anyone ever tried wearing a painters mask and gloves?? That seems like the only way to get around this problem. Not too convenient though, I guess.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 07:22 PM

Allergic tendencies are often inherited, but not specific allergies. If you're highly allergic to something, your kids are more likely than the average to be allergic to something, but probably a quite different something.

If your kids do develop paper or ink allergies, there are alternatives these days. The school won't like getting all work passed in electronically but they can get used to the idea if you lean on them. (In Scotland it's not too difficult).

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST,Ron
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 11:42 AM

I thought I was going crazy! About 3 months ago I found that I was no longer able to read the local newspaper without having a rather severe allergic reaction. I can't even be in the same room as the paper without my eyes burning, my nose running or my throat catching.

I contacted the newspaper and found that they had gotten a batch of ink that had not met their specifications about that time and were going to change it out. Up to this point they haven't done it.

I am now reading the electronic newspaper but my wife still reads the printed version - in another room.

It is good to see there are others who share this allergy and what
the chemicals are that I need to steer clear of

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST,Ron
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 08:45 PM

I first thought that I had only become allergic to newsprint ink, due to the fact that the local newspaper had just changed their ink formula. I cannot be in the same room as this newspaper because I sneeze, eyes water and I get chest congestion.

Then, I needed a new printer. I got a high end HP printer, brought it home, and had to take it back because I was getting the same reaction from anything I printed out. I traded it in on a Lexmark because I did a little test to see if it was OK. Unfortunately, it was done in a large, wide open store and I got a false OK.

I took it home and I still get a runny nose any time a printed page is exposed face up. I also get a little short of breath. And what is really strange is that by inhaling the ink, I get a kind of film on my teeth.

I can't say for sure if the Lexmark ink is better than the HP ink. I have the Lexmark and I just have to watch what I do with any printed page.

What's irritating is that most people don't believe it's possible to be allergic to ink. Well, it is, and it's a nuiscance.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 08:07 AM

"In addition to the last post, has anyone else have trouble handling money??"

Just send it all to me. I'll suffer for you.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST,mcgarv
Date: 28 Jun 11 - 01:24 AM

Realized that I had trouble with newspapers. Reaction comes and goes, but consists of sneezing, and lengthy coughing spells. Also happens around the computer and printer, so suspect it is definitely the ink

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 28 Jun 11 - 04:27 AM

I have got rid of my printer and now send whatever I want printed to my daughter and she prints it.

Since doing that, it has made a massive difference.

I was getting very itchy eyes, nose blocked, breathing issues.

I also take great care now reading local newspapers as they set me off.

I still get problems handling printed matter.

However, my actions have made a massive difference.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST,MRE
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 02:46 PM

I have read with much interest your stories about being allergic to toner. I want to tell my story. I have developed extreme intolerance to all sorts of chemicals in the air (including fresh newspapers, perfumes, cleaning agents, tobacco smoke and everything else). This is called multiple chemical sensitivity and it must be one step further than what you all report. It was caused by the vapours + particles released by a very smelly photocopier and a laser printer.

After much enquirying I have noticed that in my case this is not mediated by a typical allergy mechanism but rather it is a toxicological reaction to noxious volatile gases and other substances. These machines release a complex mixture of dozens of gases -ozone, volatile organic compouds, vapours from the bleaches used in the paper and from the metallic drum plus particles of dust coming off the paper and the toner-. All in all the gases released by the fresh prints and the machine exhaust must be having an influence to produce all sorts of symptoms. New, well maintained machines release very little things.

I would appreciate to know of other persons who have suffered extreme intolerance to all sorts of chemicals because of breathing the concentrated emissions released by constantly running copying machines sited in small unventilated rooms. Thanks for exhibiting my message.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST,Heshy
Date: 23 Sep 11 - 02:16 PM

Thanks for a very informative thread. A few years ago, shortly after beginning an office job in which I handled large amounts of printed paper, I began having skin reaction that involved a painful itching and burning sensation. I saw an allergist who ran some tests and said I was allergic to PPD, and he said I shouldn't consider having my hair dyed, but he didn't say anything about printer inks or chemicals. So I appreciate your solving this problem for me.

I didn't get these reactions right away; they only started a bit over a year after I started the job. Right around the same time I also developed allergic reactions to fabrics such as wool and polyester, which I discovered, after a discussion with my mother, is hereditary (she developed them at right around the same age I did).

Now, how do I at least mitigate the reactions? I've already gotten rid of any clothes and other fabric items (e.g. towels, sheets) that are made of offending materials. But I can't exactly quit my job - it's in my chosen professional field; never mind that completely changing careers in this economic climate is not a good idea. I suppose I could make it my business to wear long sleeves, for starters. I could also wear a surgical mask & gloves, but that wouldn't exactly help relations with my coworkers.

Thanks again, and any advice would be appreciated.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 23 Sep 11 - 03:50 PM

Just to follow up on my decision to get rid of my printer.

I no longer have the issues.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Oct 11 - 05:13 PM

I have this allergy. I am also allergic to car exhaust.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Alergy?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 13 Oct 11 - 04:55 PM

Allergies can develop with any product or substance.

If one can recognize the cause, either get rid of it of take preventive action.
With the particulate 'ink' printer, I wonder if a mask as a filter might help. Room filtration could help in an office situation but perhaps too expensive for the home user.
Luckily I am one of the majority who are unaffected, and have no problems with my HP laser printer. (My allergy problem is with vinegar.)

I had a co-worker who was extremely sensitive to oranges. Someone could peel one in a nearby room and the woman would have breathing problems. I knew someone who had a similar reaction to cucumbers.

Treatment is available from specialists, but is expensive, and in the case of the woman's reaction to oranges, little of the cost was covered by Canada's famous universal care plan.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Allergy?
From: GUEST,Distressed Londoner
Date: 25 Oct 11 - 11:50 AM

Most of the people on here seem to be from US or Canada, so I need to give a UK perspective.

I work for a large asset manager in London, and we print lots of documents. I'm about 5 - 10 metres away from the printer at the moment, and it affects me almost daily.

I get a thick, clammy type of sweat and a bad taste in my mouth, like I am chewing copper coins, I get hot and light headed. I am also particularly bad in stationery and book shops, where I can only spend about two mins max.

As someone mentioned previously, with printers I think it is worse if they are not mantained. I also think that smoking could make it worse. I get mild hayfever and eschema too, but not too bad. Certain types of bacon also get me, if they are cold.

In England we have the National Health Service, which I think is normally okay, because we get most things for free. Unfortunately for me they are terrible with allergies, and cannot help me at all.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Allergy?
From: GUEST,Metal Mouth
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 07:04 PM

I have been researching on the internet about a metal taste in my mouth. We just moved to a new location and instead of a large room with a lazer printer in it and a copies in the hallway, both copier and printer are in a small room across the hall from my office. Almost everyday I get a metal taste in my mouth. It is much worse when heavy printing is being done. My doctor does not think it is from the office but I do not get this taste on the weekends. I am going to continue investigating an allergy to ink!

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Allergy?
From: bobad
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 07:20 PM

A metal taste in the mouth is not a symptom associated with allergy.

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Allergy?
From: GUEST,Distressed Londoner
Date: 02 May 12 - 05:37 AM

Our most popular newspaper in the UK is called The Sun.

Today they had a large article about a women who is allergic to just about everything (including ink).

They said you can get allergy help from a website in the UK www.allergyuk.org. They have a phone number there as well.

I'm going to give them a call in a couple of days and I'll post on here what they say.

Matt

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Allergy?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 02 May 12 - 06:46 AM

You might try this for more expert help:

http://www.ecomed.org.uk/practitioners

You can't often get the NHS to fund consultations and treatment with them, though (a few health boards will).

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Allergy?
From: GUEST,Hannah
Date: 16 Mar 13 - 08:17 AM

Have a look at the Printing Inks Manual 5th Ed. 1993 available on Amazon!
They list the ingredients which contain natural and synthetic rubbers, metals as pigments, and rubber chemicals mainly used for curing and cross-linkage which are commonly used in leather tanning, printing industry, all forms of rubber gloves, and many dental materials.
The toners are <9 microns in size, aero-allergens, and electro-statically charged so just by looking at a printout opening a book or walking into a room over carpets you attract these allergens. They mostly affect your face, eyes, lips, hands and forearms. These same chemicals are also found in shampoos, dyes....My guess is its also a cause of delayed chronic occupational related asthma

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Allergy?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 15 - 05:40 PM

Why are people allergic to computer ink?

Subject: RE: Help: Computer printer ink Allergy?
From: Paul Burke
Date: 12 Nov 15 - 05:44 PM

Never heard of the Guardian?