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HP’s LaserJet 1320: A lung’s worst nightmare?
Laser printers get raked over the coals in an Australian air quality study

The laser printer has become a common staple in businesses and homes across America. The printers often have a higher initial cost then the throw-away inkjet printers available today, but the cost-per page for B&W printing is unmatched with laser technology.

An Australian researcher, however, has found that our fondness for laser printers comes at a risk. Research Queensland University of Technology physics Professor Lidia Morawska and her team — comprised of members from the Queensland Department of Public Works and The Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation — have found that some printers can emit a high number of unhealthy toner particles into the air.

The particles, which can be inhaled into the lungs and cause respiratory problems, are potentially carcinogenic and could be as unhealthy as cigarette smoke.

According to the study, “The highest printer particle number emission rate found in the chamber study was 1.6 * 1011 particle min-1, which is close to the median value of submicrometer particle number emission rates for activities, such as cigarette smoking (1.91 * 1011 particle min-1), occurring in residential houses.”

“The high standard deviation of the average emission rates estimated in this study also indicates that the particle emission process and the behavior of individual printers are complex and that they are still far from being completely understood,” the study continues. “Many factors, such as printer model, printer age, cartridge model, and cartridge age may affect the particle emission process and all of these factors require further study.”

The research team tested 62 laser printer models from Canon, Hewlett-Packard, Ricoh and Toshiba. Of the laser printers tested 17 were shown to be “high particle emitters.”

Of the printers tested, HP’s LaserJet 1320 and 4250 models were shown to be serious offenders, while HP’s LaserJet 5 barely made a blip on the radar screen.

Hewlett-Packard issued a statement earlier in regards to the study’s findings. “Vigorous tests under standardized operating conditions are an integral part of HP’s research and development, and its strict quality-control procedures,” said the company in a statement to CNET News. “As part of these quality controls, HP assesses its LaserJet printing systems, original HP print cartridges and papers for dust release and possible material emissions to ensure compliance with applicable international health and safety requirements.”

Morawaska’s study will be published in the American Chemical Society’s Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T) journal.

Link | www.dailytech.com

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