Fit to print

I always feel a slight pang of environmental guilt when I hit the "print" button on my computer. Until I read about the findings of a recent study showing that printing could be killing more than just lots of innocent trees.

Apparently the toner particles emitted into the air each time a page prints can "infiltrate the lungs and cause a range of health problems from respiratory irritation to more chronic illnesses." In fact, the researchers claim that these particles can damage the lungs in the same way cigarette smoke does.

Although this study focused on offices using laser printers, there's no reason to assume that your printer at home is any safer (just because there's no data on inkjet versions yet doesn't mean they're risk-free).

The researchers recommend moving printers to a well-ventilated area. At home, the best spot would be near a window that can be easily opened. But perhaps the most basic way to protect yourself is one the researcher overlooked: Before you hit "print" stop and think about whether you really need that page or if it's something that's likely to be lining your waste paper basket next week. If you don't absolutely need it, don't print it. The trees, and your lungs, will thank you for it.

Source:
"Office printers 'are health risk,'" BBC News (www.bbcnews.co.uk), 7/31/07

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