THE NEWS IN PRINT

Pretty soon in the future, printer companies have to start inserting a statutory warning on its laser printers stating that the use of laser printers could be injurious to health.

Scientists from Queensland University of Technology have researched and found out that laser printers at work cause as much damage as cigarettes. Certain printers emit ultra tiny toner particles into the air which can potentially cause respiratory infections to chronic illness.

Tests were carried out on 60 different machines. It was observed that the emission of particle levels increased five fold during office hours while it’s being used. The emission increases whenever a new cartridge is being deployed and also when images and graphs are being printed.

The researchers have requested the government to step in and regulate the quality of air in offices. They have also asked firms to place printers in places that are well ventilated to increase particle dispersion.

via BBC

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