Laser Printer Danger?
By: Charlotte Ames
Updated: August 2, 2007
A new study has identified the latest workplace hazard and it may be sitting a few feet from your desk. Researchers say laser printers can release tiny particles into the air ... that can be harmful for you to breathe.
When researchers in Austraila tested 62 printers, they found that some release particles of toner-like material that can irritat the lungs. Of those analyzed, 37 had not particle emissions at all, but 17 showed high emissions. The worst released as many particles as a lit cigarette.
Most of the printers on the worst list were made by Hewlitt Packard, but the study was skewed because more HPs were tested than any other brand. One pulmonologist suggests that you put your printer in a well-ventilated area and keep it away from where you sit.
Hewlitt Packard says it's reviewing the study and that all of its products undergo vigorous testing for material emissions.
The following is a complete list of the High Level Emitter printers. Again mostly Hewlitt Packards were tested.
HP Color LaserJet 4650dn
HP Color LaserJet 5550dtn
HP Color Laser Jet 8550N
HP LaserJet 1320N
HP LaserJet 1320n
HP LaserJet 2420dn
HP LaserJet 4200dtn
HP LaserJet 4250n
HP LaserJet 5(a)
HP LaserJet 8000DN
HP LaserJet 8150N
TOSHIBA Studio 450
When researchers in Austraila tested 62 printers, they found that some release particles of toner-like material that can irritat the lungs. Of those analyzed, 37 had not particle emissions at all, but 17 showed high emissions. The worst released as many particles as a lit cigarette.
Most of the printers on the worst list were made by Hewlitt Packard, but the study was skewed because more HPs were tested than any other brand. One pulmonologist suggests that you put your printer in a well-ventilated area and keep it away from where you sit.
Hewlitt Packard says it's reviewing the study and that all of its products undergo vigorous testing for material emissions.
The following is a complete list of the High Level Emitter printers. Again mostly Hewlitt Packards were tested.
HP Color LaserJet 4650dn
HP Color LaserJet 5550dtn
HP Color Laser Jet 8550N
HP LaserJet 1320N
HP LaserJet 1320n
HP LaserJet 2420dn
HP LaserJet 4200dtn
HP LaserJet 4250n
HP LaserJet 5(a)
HP LaserJet 8000DN
HP LaserJet 8150N
TOSHIBA Studio 450
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.