Ozone, photocopiers, asthma and mites
Ozone is an unstable gas that is considered a health risk by doctors working health and safety.
In a poorly ventilated office, ozone from photocopiers can make an allergic reaction to house dust mites worse. Prolonged exposure to ozone can temporarily change the ‘tone’ of the lungs making them ‘twitchy’ and more responsive to an injury from mite enzymes. The change in the ‘tone’ of the lungs can build continuously for 6 hours and once established, persist for 24 hours. People with asthma should understand this danger and avoid prolonged exposure to ozone in the workplace. Employers should make sure that all photocopiers are regularly serviced, in good working order and in areas with excellent ventilation.
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- 2000 – Medical confirmation that sensitization to house dust mites in childhood is dose-dependent, and in children with mite-related asthma further exposure can make their asthma worse
J.Clin. Exp. Allergy 2003; 33: 777-782
House dust mites can mate for up to 24 hours, female can store the sperm until needed. Males are driven by sex and food. Nothing new there!
