July 31st, 2007
Toner particles as bad as cigarette smoke: study
By Michael Santo
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: Globe and Mail
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 story also, and they have a full list of test results …
Guest says:
Great, I have a HP 1320nw. What to do, what to do.
July 31st, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Deadeye says:
Buy a tin hat quickly.
August 1st, 2007 at 3:41 am
MissingFrame says:
Put it next to your toilet, the urine mist ought to pull it down!
August 1st, 2007 at 9:07 pm
tomj23 says:
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……
August 2nd, 2007 at 9:03 am
dsada says:
dasdas
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:43 am