Carbonless (NCR) Copy Paper

The bottom side of carbonless copy paper (also called NCR paper - No Carbon Required) is coated with tiny capsules that break when they are pressed. Dyes and solvents are released to form an image on the sheet below. The formulas vary between brands but some can contain over 200 chemicals like kerosene, benzene, and other solvents that can be hazardous if enough is inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Some of the other chemicals it can give off include phthalic anhydride and formaldehyde. Phthalic anhydride has been known to irritate the eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; cause nasal ulcer bleeding; cause bronchitis or asthma; and cause skin rashes. In test animals it has also been seen to cause liver and kidney damage. Formaldehyde also may irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system, which may lead to coughing and bronchitis. Formaldehyde may also cause nasal cancer.

However, the main concern with incidental or occasional contact would be a skin rash since NCR paper can cause an allergic contact dermatitis. Because of that, you should either wash your hands right after handling NCR paper or wear gloves.

One is more at risk of the other health problems of NCR paper if one is actually printing on it (such as through a printer or copier) since the paper is heated up in this process which releases more of the chemicals that get into the air. If one is printing onto NCR paper, there is also usually the additional risk caused by the adhesives that have to be applied to hold the papers together. If NCR papers are being developed, there should be local exhaust ventilation above the printer or copier doing the printing. Large volumes of NCR papers should be stored in areas that are cool and well ventilated so the vapors do not build up (NCR paper begin off-gassing at 68°F).

Several scientific studies have concluded that people with long-term exposure to NCR paper, like some office workers, are at an increased risk for various health problems.¹ Because there have been health problems in sensitized workers, several lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of NCR paper.²

1. MSNBC. Consumer Watch: Carbonless Paper Dangers. August 24, 2000.

2. VanVoris B. Scents or nonsense? Years of litigation over carbonless copy paper creates an unlikely warrior. The National Law Journal. November 13, 2000; page A1. See also: www.carbonless.org/