The hidden danger in your office

OZONE  (O3)

There could be a hidden danger in your office and you don't even know about it. Ozone (O3) is a byproduct of laser printing & copying. Some laser printers and copiers have Ozone filters that can become ineffective over time and may need to be replaced, but most people don't know to change it. Ozone occurs naturally in Earth's atmosphere and also forms as a result of electrical activity such as thunderstorms, it is also manufactured commercially for a variety of reasons and is quick to react with other substances, however mixed with other hydrocarbons becomes a corrosive pollutant and science has clearly emphasized it's negative effects on breathing. On many occasions I have entered an office or room with a laser printer or copying machine and have smelled the very strong odor of ozone indicating it's presence, when this occurs I will ask the people in that office if they smell it too, most people get used to the smell and don't know what I am talking about. They can however attest to the effects of the ozone. Ozone can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue aching joints and other complications it can also damage your equipment over time. You can learn to recognize the smell of Ozone during a nearby thunderstorm, that metallic like smell that is associated with lighting. So next time you walk into your office and it smells like a lighting storm, it's most likely the Ozone you are smelling. And if you do happen to smell it, you should consider contacting your computer or copier service provider and ask them to check or replace the Ozone filter.

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