By
Executive Editor, RealTechNews
This falls into the category of … huh, I never thought of that, but I probably should have. It’s not even just the particles often found left over inside large multifunction printers … it’s particles just cast into the air when using the printer.
Some popular brand printers release so much toner into the air that the amount of fine particles in office air increases five-fold during work hours, and new toner cartridges and graphic-heavy printing projects further boost the amount of ultra-fine powder in the air.
Lead researcher Lidia Morawska said inhaling the particles could lead to respiratory irritation, and even more severe illnesses like cardiovascular problems and cancer. Source:
We Say: Even better … what else … one of the printers considered to be a “high emitter” … I own. The HP Laserjet 1320n. I know if my wife reads this it’ll be outta the house by tomorrow … and that’s too bad, because it’s been reliable since I’ve owned it and it was a relatively inexpensive network printer.
Update: The SF Chronicle has this also, and they have a full list of test results …
Great, I have a HP 1320nw. What to do, what to do.
Buy a tin hat quickly.
Put it next to your toilet, the urine mist ought to pull it down!
It’s getting to the point where it may be smarter to ignore the research conducted by self-appointed “experts†and rely on some common sense. My parents smoked, I was a cop and sat in a car with chain smokers for years and I’ve been working with, in and around toner even longer. I’m in my 50s and no sign of any respiratory problems. Oh, I forgot I’m healthier than most, if not all of my younger peers and seem to enjoy life a lot more as well.
The reality is that health issues CAN be affected and influenced by your environment but your genetics and behavior (moderation and self-control) is the primary factor. The paranoia about toner (and lots of other topics) is simply not warranted……
dasdas