Particle Emissions from Laser Printers

A report on the emissions characteristics of a variety of office laser printers references a recent study by the Queensland University.  

The study found large differences in the emission levels of different types of printers. Among others, high emitters included the Toshiba Studio 450 and the HP Color LaserJet 4650 DN. A range of other HP products were found to be medium or low emitters. Results often varied between individual machines with identical model numbers, depending on the age and condition of toner cartridges.

Ellis provides field measurements and recommendations on printer emissions using equipment capable of measuring airborne particles in the range of 0.02 to 1.0 um. Field measurements follow the guidelines in Section 3.2 of the Queensland University report. Measured results are used to classify printers as “high”, “medium” or “low emitters.” While federal guidelines have not yet been established for the types of ultra-fine particles emitted from laser printers, health effects have been compared to that of second- hand smoke, and most employers will take steps to repair or replace any printers in the “high emitter” category.