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By Greg McNevin

August 6, 2007: According to new research by the Queensland University of Technology's Air Quality and Health Program, laser printers can pose as much of a health risk as cigarettes due to the particles they emit during operation.

Published in the American Chemical Society's Environmental Science & Technology, the study tested 62 printers manufactured by HP, Ricoh, Canon and Toshiba and found that the ultrafine powdered toner was a possible culprit of health issues including respiratory irritation, more significant cardiovascular problems and even cancer.

Testing was conducted in an open office environment for the most part, with three printers tested in a special chamber. Of the 62 tested, 17 were classified as high particle emitters with one exhibiting particle emission comparable to the smoking of a cigarette. As for the rest, two were found to be medium emitters, six low and 37 printers released no toxins at all.

HP was singled out by the report as having the highest amount of unhealthy machines, with the HP LaserJet 1320 and 4250 fingered as some of the highest emitters tested. HP has responded to the reports claims saying that following “a preliminary review of the Queensland University of Technology research on particle emission characteristics of office printers, HP does not agree with its conclusion or some of the bold claims the authors have made recently in press reports,” said the company in a statement.

Being the world’s largest printer manufacturer HP printers made up roughly 80% of those tested, so it’s no real surprise that the company racked up the largest number of risky machines. That said, the firm also pointed out that testing ultrafine particles is a relatively new scientific discipline and it is unclear whether these emissions do actually pose health risks.

“Specifically, HP does not see an association between printer use by customers and negative health effects for volatile organic compounds, ozone or dust. While we recognize ultrafine, fine, and coarse particles are emitted from printing systems, these levels are consistently below recognized occupational exposure limits,” said the company.

The researchers themselves admit that the study is by no means exhaustive, and more testing is needed. Still, the results were convincing enough for them to relocate their own laser printers to safer office positions.

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