Printer Particles May Pose Health Worry

Some laser printers release toner-like particles into the air that people can inhale deep into lungs and pose a health hazard, says a Australian study.

Lidia Morawska and colleagues at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane classified 17 out of 62 printers in the study as high particle emitters because they released such elevated quantities of particles, which the researchers believe to be toner, the ultrafine powder used in laser printers instead of ink to form text and images.

One of the printers released particles into an experimental chamber at a rate comparable to the particle emissions from cigarette smoking, according to the study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

However, 37 of the 62 printers released no particles that diminished air quality, while six released low levels and two medium levels.

The health effects from inhaled ultrafine particles depend on particle composition, but the results can range from respiratory irritation to more severe illnesses, such as cardiovascular problems or cancer, Morawska said.