A class action lawsuit was filed in California, alleging that twelve manufacturers of carbonless copy paper violated the state's Proposition 65, which requires companies to give a "clear and reasonable" warning before knowingly exposing anyone to carcinogens and other hazardous chemicals. The suit is being coordinated through a victim's advocacy group, the Carbonless Copy Paper Injury and Information Network.

Defendants claim to have suffered from headaches, bronchitis, red and swollen eyes, vertigo, migranes, fatigue, sinus infections, sleep disorders, deteriorating memory, and laryngitis. The last symptom was reported by a woman named Brenda Smith, who worked as a customer service representative, answering phones all day long. The New York Times and other media outlets failed to mention that Ms. Smith, complaining of respiratory problems, has been a heavy smoker for years.

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