According to a recent report by Reuters Health, while the level of individual chemicals emitted by photocopy machines is well below the legal limit, new research suggests that the mixture of these compounds may contribute to symptoms of sick building syndrome.

In a study to be published this month's issue of Environmental Research, investigators measured VOCs in three photocopy centers and near eight employees. Levels of certain VOCs, such as toluene and benzene, fell well below occupational exposure guidelines-- in some cases, at least 100 times below established guidelines.

However, Aleksandr Stefaniak and colleagues with the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in Baltimore, Md., found 54 different VOCs in general air samples and 38 in the breathing space of workers. The number of VOCs were higher when VOC-emitting equipment such as printers, were also being used.

Since previous research has linked these compounds with symptoms of sick building syndrome, such as headache and dryness in the eyes, nose and throat, the researchers suggest they may have a cumulative effect.

"Though exposures to individual VOCs are well below occupational exposure regulations and guidelines, it is plausible that the implication of photocopiers as a potential risk factor for sick building syndrome symptoms in the literature may be due to additive or synergistic interactions of VOCs, not the presence of individual compounds," Stefaniak and colleagues wrote.

The study found that the number of VOCs in copy centers with an open door or window was much lower.

In an interview with Reuters Health, Stefaniak said that his study provides information about the types and levels of VOCs emitted by photocopy machines for researchers investigating the health effects of mixtures of these compounds.

"Based on the increasing prevalence of photocopiers in the work environment, the potential for exposures to VOC emissions from photocopiers in the indoor air can be expected to increase in the coming years," the researchers told Reuters.

Widely used after World War II, VOCs may be found in paint, gasoline and industrial, commercial and homeowner products. Most photocopiers use a powdered toner that contains compounds that can emit VOCs during the photocopying process, the authors said.

"When taken individually, the VOC exposures are low, which may create a false sense of security," co-author Dr. Patrick Breysse told Reuters. "The fact is that there is growing concern about low-level exposures to complex mixtures arising from sources like photocopiers."