A recent study conducted in Australia has found that laser printers are dangerous to health. The little particles of toner-like material released in the air from the printer are very risky to the health.
The Australian scientists from the Queensland University of Technology say that some office laser printers can damage the lungs just like smoke particles from cigarettes do.
The Queensland University researchers studied a range of laser printers and found that one in the three printers release dangerous levels of toner particles into the air. The researchers concluded that these tiny elements that come out from the printer can affect human body in different ways. Users might face variety of health problems ranging from respiratory irritation to more severe illnesses like cardiovascular problems or even cancer.
The study also shows that printers produce more quantity of particles when operating with new toner cartridges. Even while printing graphics such as images need more quantity of toner.
The study also found that printers emitted more particles when operating with new toner cartridges, and when printing graphics and images that require greater quantities of toner.
Lidia Morawska, Ph.D and her colleagues in Australia categorized 17 printers out of 62 as “high particle emitters” because of the high quantity dangerous particles they released. But 37 out of the 62 printers released no particles and six released low levels of it, while two release medium level particles.
The Australian scientists tested printers from renowned companies such as Canon, HP Color Laserjet, Ricoh and Toshiba.
Talking about the issue Morawska said, “By all means, this is an important indoor source of pollution. There should be regulations,”
However there is no definitive proof provided by the research group. Morawska concluded by saying that there is some more study needed on the topic.
i agree it is a load of rubbish!!!