Hardware (5183)

Office printers are a lung disease health risk

Should come with a health warning?

31 July 2007 13:01 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

News from scientists at the Queensland University of Technology suggests office printers could be as damaging to your lungs as particles in cigarette smoke.

A range of over 60 models were investigated and it seems that almost a third give out ultra-small, but dangerous, levels of toner into the air.

This toxins could enter lungs and cause a range of health problems from respiratory irritation to more chronic illnesses, the BBC reports.

The scientists have called on officials to put in place some kind of regulations relating to air quality in office. They also say some printers should come with a health warning.

In the mean time the scientists advise that companies to make sure printers are based in well-ventilated areas so that the dangerous particles disperse.

Full tags

Hardware, Printers, Scanners, Epson