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.comSweet a surgeon general's warning on every printer! Maybe now I can get Hazard pay for working in the office! :roll:
First one to change and fine companies will be the EU for sure. Which is actually a good thing if that's true :)
Good thing I have an ink jet then.
i all ways hated the smell of printers like those
*takes a big wiff of printer* That's good cancer causing smell... *collapses*
by: kwchang007
Good thing I have an ink jet then.
Good job I don't have the money for a laser!
TBH, they aren't very useful at home - only in Offices where you might have lots of people printing lots of work.
See it's not 2ed hand smoke doing all of the damage
by: Jimmy 2004
Good job I don't have the money for a laser!
TBH, they aren't very useful at home - only in Offices where you might have lots of people printing lots of work.
Ehh, quality is almost always the same not like with an inkjet with all the alignment and junk like that. We used to have a black and white laser and it was nice, and defiantly fast. But, no color and color laserjets, now those are expensive.
oh big deal!
*goes to crack toner box, line up the black dust, gets a bill, rolls it up and snorts the ink.*
The laser printers found to be high emitters, or potential high emitters depending on use, were:
by: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070731.wprinters0731/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home
HP Color LaserJet 4650dn
HP Color LaserJet 5550dtn
HP Color LaserJet 8550N
HP LaserJet 1320N
HP LaserJet 1320n
HP LaserJet 2420dn
HP LaserJet 4200dtn
HP LaserJet 4250n (old)
HP LaserJet 4250n (new)
HP LaserJet 5(a)
HP LaserJet 8000DN
HP LaserJet 8150N
Toshiba Studio 450
Heh, then good think we have those at school... if I develop cancer, I can sue them.
wow good job i have a samsung not a hp lol, they didn't do too good lol...
kinda funny considering how badly the room with my laser is in is ventilated plus how much i use it lol
i'll be dead by next week :roll:
by: lemonadesoda
The laser printers found to be high emitters, or potential high emitters depending on use, were:
Uhoh, lol we have 2x HP LaserJet 1320n, 2x HP LaserJet 4100n, and 3x HP LaserJet 4150n.
Guess I need to hit my work up for hazard pay.
Pfft I snort lines of the crap that builds up in printers, this doesnt worry me.
So do I, as stated earlier in this thread.
Pfft. Everything is a risk apparently, just like eating too many potatoes can cause cancer :rolleyes:
HP is the problem? ::laugh::
I wouldnt doubt it, but I think INK isnt that poisonous.
by: WarEagleAU
I wouldnt doubt it, but I think INK isnt that poisonous.
Even if it's not poisonous, it can still clog up the very small passages in your lungs, which is where the health risk comes in.
HP LaserJet 4250n (old)
HP LaserJet 4250n (new)
Well, I'm not sure what they 'revised,' but it obviously wasn't the particle emissions :)
by: Ketxxx
Pfft. Everything is a risk apparently, just like eating too many potatoes can cause cancer :rolleyes:
In other news,
Spending too much time reading TPU can turn you into a tech-addict. Known to cause apathy and confusion. This together with a stressful life, smoking, binge drinking, and participating in extreme sports, can reduce your life expectancy by an unknown amount. Also, sitting for long periods of time tends to reduce the size of your wiener.
I guess it's downhill from here then...
by: TPU upload error
Particle Emission.pdf:
Your file of 218.9 KB bytes exceeds the forum's limit of 195.3 KB for this filetype.
??? W1zz... you need to allow a bigger file size. I understand you need a limit, but 195K is silly.
***
Go here instead:
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/local_file_212173832Like I have said before, I'm gonna die of something else anyway.
Oxygen causes cancer, that's why I don't breathe.
That's funny cuz almost a bunch of those HPs went on sale today... hmmm, coincidence?
I'd definitely like to see the report with which printers are rated at what emissions.
Below is the response from Tuan Tran, HP's vice president of marketing for supplies, to the Laser Printer Emissions Study released by Queensland University of Technology:
After a preliminary review of the Queensland University of Technology research on particle emission characteristics of office printers, HP does not agree with its conclusion or some of the bold claims the authors have made recently in press reports. HP stands behind the safety of its products. Testing of ultrafine particles is a very new scientific discipline. There are no indications that ultrafine particle (UFP) emissions from laser printing systems are associated with special health risks. Currently, the nature and chemical composition of such particles – whether from a laser printer or from a toaster – cannot be accurately characterized by analytical technology. However, many experts believe that many of the UFPs found in common household and office products are not discrete solid particles, but may be condensation products or small droplets created during thermal processes. HP agrees more testing in this area is needed, which is why we've been active with two of the world's leading independent authorities on this subject: Air Quality Sciences in the United States and the Wilhelm-Klauditz Institute in Germany. Vigorous tests are an integral part of HP's research and development and its strict quality-control procedures. HP LaserJet printing systems, original HP print cartridges and papers are tested for dust release and possible material emissions and are compliant with all applicable international health and safety requirements. In addition to meeting or exceeding these guidelines, HP's design criteria for its laser printing systems incorporate guidelines from both the Blue Angel program in Germany and the Greenguard program in the United States. Based on our own testing, HP knows that many variables can affect the outcome of tests for ultrafine particle emissions. Although HP is not aware of all of the specific methodologies used in the Queensland study, based on what we've seen in the report – as well as our own work in this area – we do not believe there is a link between printer emissions and any public health risk. Specifically, HP does not see an association between printer use by customers and negative health effects for volatile organic compounds, ozone or dust. While we recognize ultrafine, fine, and coarse particles are emitted from printing systems, these levels are consistently below recognized occupational exposure limits. HP hopes to learn more from the study authors about how products were chosen for the study, how ranges were determined given no standards exist, and many other factors that could have influenced the results.
Go HP ! :)
