Laser printers could be as dangerous as cigarettes, says a new study. Of 63 printers tested by Australian scientists at Queensland University of Technology, 17 were considered "high particle emitters". The particles are small enough to get into the deep crevices of our lungs and wreak havoc: respiratory irritation, cardiovascular problems and cancer.
We'll have to wait to see if this is another scare story along the lines of WiFi frying children's brains, as the report, said to contain details on which printers will kill you, has not yet been published. Nevertheless, the professor in charge of the study is is already calling for nannyfication of the problem:
"Governments regulate emission levels from outdoor devices such as vehicles, power stations and factories," said Professor Lidia Morawska, "so why not for printers?"
Indeed. And ban the machines that make scalding hot coffee while you're at it.
Some office printers emit dangerous particles [USA Today via Boy Genius]
Printers pose health risks: study [The Age]
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