Office printers 'are health risk'
By Nick Bryant
BBC News, Sydney
Generic office picture
Office printers emit tiny particles of toner, the scientists say
The humble office laser printer can damage lungs in much the same way as smoke
particles from cigarettes, a team of Australian scientists has found.
An investigation of a range of printer models showed that almost a third emit
potentially dangerous levels of toner into the air.
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.
The researchers have called on governments to regulate air quality in offices.
They also want companies to ensure that printers are based in well-ventilated
areas so that particles disperse.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6923915.stm
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