An investigation of a range of printer models showed that almost a third emit potentially dangerous levels of toner into the air.Source: BBC
The Queensland University of Technology scientists have called on ministers to regulate these kinds of emissions.
They say some printers should come with a health warning.
The researchers carried out tests on more than 60 machines.
Almost one-third were found to emit ultra-tiny particles of toner-like material, so small that they can infiltrate the lungs and cause a range of health problems from respiratory irritation to more chronic illnesses.
Conducted in an open-plan office, the test revealed that particle levels increased five-fold during working hours, a rise blamed on printer use.
The problem was worse when new cartridges were used and when graphics and images required higher quantities of toner.
Laser printers worse than cigarettes?
Posted on Tuesday, July 31 2007 @ 19:21 CEST by Thomas De MaesschalckAustralian scientists found that many office laser printers emit dangerous amounts of small particles which can damage lungs in much the same way as smoke particles from cigarettes:
