Researchers have found that laser printers can release tiny particles in the air and be inhaled into the lungs. But whether these particles could be harmful or not for the body, still in research stage.
Professor Lidia Morawska from the International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health at Queensland University of Technology are experts in this field said in a 2007 study known that laser printers emit ultrafine particles with a significant level.
"We found some printers can emit heavy particles so that a person is not advisable to sit next to a busy printer, but it should be moved to a room with good ventilation," said Prof Morawska, as quoted from ABC.net.au, Wednesday (21/12 / 2011).
Ultrafine particles are classified as very small at less than 0.1 micrometers. Another source said that these ultrafine particles can also be present in vehicle exhaust, wood burning and candles.
In a 2007 study, Prof Morawska and a team have discovered how a laser printer can emit these particles. When the printer toner and printer paper through hot rollers which then formed an organic chemical compound that easily evaporates and is released into the air.
"This compound is then reacted with ozone in the air and produce ultrafine particles. In this case the temperature plays an important role, the hotter the temperature of the particles produced more and more," he said.
Although studies specifically examining the potential health risks from emissions of laser printers is still ongoing, but is expected to be more vigilant community to reduce exposure.
Even so Prof Morawska offers tips to minimize exposure to ultrafine associated with laser printers are:
- Ensuring that the office has good ventilation with outside air
- Place the printer in a place that has good ventilation but avoid putting a printer that is often used by people, especially not in addition to the printer
- People with asthma or heart disease are advised not to sit near the printer is busy.
good information shared!!
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