Laser Printers Could Be a Health Hazard
The researchers, Lidia Morawska and colleagues at the Queensland University of Technology, classified 17 of the 62 printers, or 27 percent, as “high particle emitters”; one of the 17 pumped out particulates at a rate comparable with emissions from cigarette smoking.
What They Found
The researchers called the emissions “a significant health threat” because of the particles’ small size, which makes them easy to inhale and easily lodged in the deepest and smallest passageways of the lungs.
The effects, she said, can range from simple irritation to much more serious illnesses, including cardiovascular problems or cancer.
“Even very small concentrations can be related to health hazards, where the concentrations are significantly elevated means there is potentially a considerable hazard.” said Morawska.
Two printers released medium levels of particulates, six issued low levels, and 37 or about 60 percent of those tested released no particles at all. HP, which is one of the world’s leading printer sellers, dominated both the list of high-level emitting and non-emitting printers.
The research also found that office particulate levels increased fivefold during work hours because of laser printers. Generally, more particles were emitted when the printer was using a new toner cartridge, and when printing graphics or photographs that require larger amounts of toner than, say, text.
Morawska recommended that people make sure rooms at work and home with laser printers are well ventilated.