SigEx Telecom : Office printer linked to lung damage by Delia Cruceru

Australian scientist lead by Professor Lidia Morawska, from the Queensland University of Technology discovered that certain office laser printers release tiny particle of toner inhaled by workers in to their lungs, posing a threat to their health. "Ultra-fine particles are of most concern because they can penetrate deep into the lungs where they can pose a significant health threat," Morawska said. "These (printer) particles are tiny like cigarette smoke particles and, when deep inside the lung, they do the same amount of damage. "The health effects from inhaling ultra-fine particles depend on particle composition, but the results can range from respiratory irritation to more severe illness such as cardiovascular problems or cancer." The scientist studied 62 printers and they found 17 of them being "high particle emitters" because they released such elevated quantities of particles. 37 of them didn't released enough particles to damage the air quality, six released low levels, and two, medium levels. The team discovered this by accident while they were testing a large, open-plan office in the Brisbane central business district for gauging the efficiency of ventilation in protecting the workers from the outdoor pollution. They didn't expect the pollution to be indoors. "We really didn't expect to find anything from indoor sources (but) we soon discovered that the indoor sources of pollution were far higher than the outdoor sources," Morawska said. The study will be published in the American Chemical Society's journal Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T) and it will include the name of the brand's that were tested.

related story: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4147978a28.html

by Delia Cruceru for SigEx Telecom (http://sigex.com)

SigEx Telecom is quickly becoming the leading telebroadcasting communications provider allowing people to easily talk, view, upload and share video clips through free online TV broadcasting, free unlimited global calls, websites, blogs, video-mails and SMS. SigEx Telecom captures many add-on services for its clients generating royalties and fees in a broad spectrum of marketing services including public relations and promotions.