Office Printers Emit Ultra Fine Particles and May Cause Cancer

Queensland University of Technology professor, Lidia Morawska, has released a study that has found many office laser printers release clouds of ultra-fine particles. The particles originate in the toner ad although they are yet to study the chemistry of the particles, the researchers warn that the particles "can get deep into the lungs" and lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. They also add that the particles are potential carcinogens.

Professor Morawska's team tested around 40 relatively new models of laser printers and found 13 to be "high emitters" of particles from the toner.

The researchers recommend that printers are placed away from where people work. Their next step is to investigate the make up of the particles and possibly call for printer emissions to be regulated much like those for motor vehicles, power stations and factories.