Are Laser Printers Dangerous?
Recent calls to Croner Consulting’s Health and Safety Helpline have highlighted an element of concern among some businesses in regards to the potential negative health effects of office printers. Here Stephen Thomas, Safety Expert at Croner Consulting, discusses some of the issues around laser printers in the office.
The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Study
Much of the concern over office printers has
originated from the study carried out by the QUTi,
the results of which were published in 2007 resulting
in considerable media exposure. The study examined
the emissions from 62 laser printers, 17 of which
were considered to be “high particle emitters”
releasing high levels of tiny toner-like material into
the air. Particles such as these are considered to be
linked to negative health effects similar to those
from cigarette smoke such as respiratory irritation,
cardiovascular disease and cancer.
It is worth noting here that the study was not
concerned with recording the actual health effects of
this type of particulate although it did recommend
that further study be carried out into such effects.
Another important point is that the study dealt with
laser printers and not inkjets, which utilise different
technology.
This is just the start of the article, to view the full colour PDF please log in to the Members Only Area by clicking here