Your PC could be your lungs’ worst enemy, scientists warned yesterday. According to a study by boffins at the British Allergy Foundation, office machinery can produce damaging ozone emissions. Prime culprits are gadgets like laser printers, fax machines, photocopiers and computers, according to a report in today’s Daily Mail. Contrary to popular opinion, ozone is not always beneficial. It may protect us from the sun’s harmful rays, but the ozone fumes from equipment are toxic and can cause breathing difficulties. Professor Robert Davies, president of the foundation, said: "As summer approaches, ground levels of ozone outdoors rise. This can cause problems for healthy individuals, especially when taking exercise. The problems can be considerably worse for asthma and allergy sufferers.” The Health and Safety Executive states: "Ozone is an irritant to mucus membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract.” It adds that lung problems can follow exposure to high concentrations of ozone. ® See also: Flat screen monitors will poison the planet Users smash up PCs in outbreaks of network rage