Tuesday, July 31st 2007
Printers Could Pose a Similar Risk to Smoking
Research studying 62 different laser printers has shown that 17 out of 62 models tested could be classified as "high particle emitters" due to large quantities of ultrafine particles being released by the machines. The particles, believed to be toner, can potentially be inhaled deep into the lungs, unless the room is well ventilated, where scientists say they could pose a "significant health threat". Most worryingly was that the researchers found that "one of the printers released particles into an experimental chamber at a rate comparable to the particle emissions from cigarette smoking." Of the remaining models, 37 released no particles that diminished air quality, six released only low levels and two released medium levels. The study also found that particle levels in the office increased fivefold during working hours due to printer use, and the printers in question emitted more particles with a new toner cartridge or when printing graphics and imaged that needed more toner. The group is now calling for government officials to consider regulations regarding laser printer emissions.
Source:
vunet.com
33 Comments on Printers Could Pose a Similar Risk to Smoking
Well hopefully the scientist was wrong but I doubt it.. hp will hire thier own scientist who says thier printers are ok... lol
Note This Highly Political, Bureaucratic Piece of the Response:MUTHA WHAT COARSE PARTICLES?!:wtf:
This is their legal way of making sure they admitted to the reality of the findings, however, AT CURRENT RECOGNIZED LIMITS, under existing regulation which doesn't have much on this, they are fine. Well, that's what a University is for, challenging currently recognized standards without commercial ramifications. I will be eXTREMELY disheartened if this scientist has any recourse for this, because he noted mANY other brands besides HP also. Granted, he may have over exaggerated, I don't know his technique nor the science behind his study, but, I doubt he would've just made this stuff up on the fly.
EVEN STILL, as long as he was precise & consistent, no matter his methodology, this still means that those printers have the highest emissions in comparison with others on the market.:ohwell: