Mutagenic Activity in Photocopies

Abstract

Extracts from several different photocopies were mutagenic in the Ames Salmonella assay. The mutagenic behavior was similar for extracts from copies and corresponding toners indicating that toners are directly responsible for the mutagenicity. The mutagenicity is caused by at least two classes of compounds which may be present either alone or in combination in any toner.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon, Haematological and Oxidative Stress Levels in Commercial Photocopier Operators In Lagos, Nigeria

“…The operators are exposed to toner (while reloading and unloading the machines) and to toxic gases like ozone, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields during their operation [8][9][10][11][12] . Majority of these agents have been reported to be mutagenic or genotoxic in either bacterial or mammalian systems.…”

A preliminary cytogenetic and hematological study of photocopying machine operators

“…[1][2][3][4] So far, there is only one published report where authors Goud et al, [5] indicated that individuals working with photocopying machines have an increased basal DNA damage, as measured by comet assay.…”

Contribution of organic particulates to respiratory cancer.

“…(18)(19)(20) and are a class of chemicals that present a risk as genotoxic pollutants. First detected in the environment as components of carbon black phototoners (21), nitrated PAHs may be formed as a result of nitration with 03, NO2, and peroxyacetyl nitrate in airborne pollutants (22,23) or as a result of a variety of combustion processes (24)(25)(26), including the incomplete burning of diesel fuel (27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35). They are not only ubiquitous in the atmosphere but may also be present in high concentrations in confined spaces (e.g., office and home environment) primarily as a result of cigarette smoking (34,36,37).…”