Consumables
Laser printers generate nanoparticle emissions
Wednesday 21. May 2008 - Katun has a solution
Most people are aware of the potential health hazards of mobile phones and high-voltage power lines. But what about laser printers?
Germanys Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has recently tested random samples in an experimental chamber and an office space to measure the emissions of fine and ultrafine particles (nanoparticles) from commercial laser printers of different ages and from different manufacturers. The results were unequivocal: laser printers do emit these particles into the air.
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has also issued a statement on the issue. It states that, in qualitative terms, the increase in fine particles in office air can be rated at the very least as a deterioration in air quality and BfR recommends preventive measures in its latest annual report.
Prevention is the solution
“Our offices have been smoke-free for a long time and with the increased air pollution in cities, we are even considering introducing bans on driving. But we are doing absolutely nothing about airborne toner emissions,” remarks Wolfgang Schaal, Managing Director of Dexwet. In order to control the toner emission problem, the Austrian filter manufacturer has designed a filter specifically adapted to laser printers. When mounted over the laser printer’s fan opening, the patented filter significantly reduces toner emissions without adversely affecting the performance of the machine. Katun Corporation, the world’s leading provider of alternative products for the office equipment industry, is the global distributor for this innovative solution. Dexwet filters last one year or an equivalent of printing 50,000 pages. And thanks to a special double-sided tape, users can easily install the filters themselves.