HC Deb 28 November 1980 vol 994 cc221-2W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to establish whether there is a risk to the health of staff operating laser printers and photocopiers using trinitrofluorenone (TNF).

Mr. Mayhew

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is satisfied that all the available evidence indicates that under normal operating conditions laser printers and photocopiers using trinitrofluorenone do not pose a significant health risk. Consequently, it would not be appropriate for the HSE to initiate further research into the subject, althouth the executive intends to keep the matter under continuing review.

MR J 3–6r. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what evidence from the United States of America has been made available to his department relating to the possible health risks of using trinitrofluorenone (TNF) in laser printers and photocopiers.

Mr. Mayhew

The Health and Safety Executive has not received any information on the possible health risks of using trinitroflurenone (TNF) in laser printers and photocopiers from any official United States source. However, the HSE is aware of the American research, which has demonstrated TNF to have a mutagenic effect on certain bacteria and mammalian cells.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received about the potential nitrofluorenone (TNF) in laser printers and health risks arising from the use of tri-photocopiers.

Mr. Mayhew

None. The Health and Safety Executive has received inquiries concerning the potential health risks from the use of trinitrofluorenone (TNF) in laser printers and photocopiers from a number of individuals and organisations, including the Trades Union Congress.