Particle emissions from laser printers might pose health concern

According to www.vnunet.com, laser printers may cause health disorders...

In an article published on July 31, 2007, the authors point out the main dangers laser printers can bring.

Some laser printers release tiny particles of toner-like material into the air that people can inhale deep into their lungs where they may pose a health hazard, scientists have warned.

Australian specialists classified 17 out of 62 printers in a recent study as “high particle emitters” because they released relatively high quantities of particles, which the researchers believe to be toner.

Thirty-seven of the 62 printers, on the other hand, released no particles that diminished air quality. Six released only low levels, and two medium levels. All printers were monitored in an open office and the researchers recorded data on three laser printers in an experimental chamber. The study included popular models in the US and Australia sold internationally under the Canon, HP Color Laserjet, Ricoh and Toshiba brand names.

Most of the printer-generated particles detected were ultrafine and such contaminants are easily inhaled into the smallest passageways of the lungs where they could pose “a significant health threat”.

The study found that indoor particle levels in the office air increased fivefold during work hours due to printer use. Printers emitted more particles when operating with new toner cartridges and when printing graphics and images that require greater quantities of toner.

As a result of the study, the scientists are calling on government officials to consider regulating emission levels from laser printers. The research is scheduled for publication in the 1 August online issue of the American Chemical Society’s Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T).

Source: www.vnunet.com