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.