Health Effects of Emissions from Photocopiers and Laser Printers
Beginning in mid 2005, the Institute for Indoor and Environmental Toxicology of Gieβen University Clinic conducted a study to find any links between emissions from photocopiers and laser printers and adverse health effects in exposed individuals in the office environment.
Between January of 2006 and October of the same year, the Institute measured the indoor air quality of 63 offices in nine buildings in four locations in Germany. At those locations, a total of 69 office workers were tested for health effects. They measured the humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold concentrations, and temperature at each location. Doctors also measured the sensitivities of each individual regarding their allergic and inflammatory responses to the surrounding environment.
The Institute began the study at the request of doctors who reported health conditions in office workers who complained of symptoms resulting from photocopiers and printers. These symptoms included eye irritation, throat and other respiratory issues including irritation resulting from mucus.
The purpose of the study was to determine if photocopiers and laser printers influence indoor air quality and if there is a correlation between the emissions from office equipment and adverse health effects in office workers.
Although most of the test results did not attract attention, the Institute for Indoor and Environmental Toxicology found that some workers had heightened sensitivities to bronchial irritation when compare to the control group. The study found that airborne dust and ultra-fine particles increased considerably when office equipment was turned on, but then decreased once printing began. The Institute discovered that this airborne dust did not contain toner particles, but had not yet determined the exact composition.
The study did not determine if this dust increases the respiratory sensitivities of individuals or causes negative side effects. All of the inflammation and sensitivity found in individuals in the study were within normal limits, but the exposed office workers did, on average, suffer more from conditions that could be classified under the sick building syndrome.
The Institute for Indoor and Environmental Toxicology concluded that they could not definitively say whether or not office equipment emissions cause health problems but suggested that frequently used equipment should be placed in a separate room with good air circulation. The Institute also said that individuals working around photocopiers and printers should minimize their exposure to fine dust.
Reference article: http://www.newsfood.com/Articolo/International/20071018-seems-ultrafine-dust-laser-printers-photocopiers-contain-toner-particles.asp ,/p>