Aug 6, 2007
Toner Particle Research Raises Questions
By Pete Basiliere
News outlets ran stories last week about the results of a recent study suggesting some office printers emit potentially harmful toner particles. The Queensland University of Technology study found some office printers discharge sub-micrometer airborne particles. Some news reports sensationalized selected details of the study, such as the finding that the concentration of submicron particulates in the one very highest instance reached that of cigarette smoking in a home.
Professor Lidia Morawska’s main finding, though, was that the levels of submicron particulates do vary with printer models. Importantly, the study references earlier research about the health effects of poor indoor air quality, but does not indicate how toner particles affect health. Further, the researchers only looked at a narrow sampling of printers and copiers found in an office in 2006.
Just as when news reports about the potential health effects of cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors surfaced in the 1990s, be prepared to address staff concerns but avoid overreacting until more information is available. As a result, prudent managers will ask:
---Is the small sample representative of the larger printer population?
---If not, do the results vary within or between vendor product lines?
---If toner particles pose a risk, are there safer alternative printing technologies?
---Can inexpensive design changes or field modifications reduce particle levels in offices?
Valuable Advice
Ken Weilerstein, Gartner’s vice president of research – print markets, recommends addressing these uncertainties by:
---Designating a qualified point person to track developments and respond to worried staff in an informed, candid manner
---Identifying authoritative and disinterested sources of information as well as contacting your printer manufacturers’ customer service and technical support organizations
---Proactively communicating developments to the IT and facilities management decision makers responsible for printer purchases and to your corporate health and safety staff
---Resist any supplier’s attempts to steer you toward their products or to sell “quick fix” solutions until the validity of their claims are verified
---Make contingency plans in case future findings authoritatively indicate changes are warranted (for example, if subsequent research determines copier-style multifunction products are safer alternatives to workgroup printers)
---Proceed with the printer fleet optimization you may have underway but, since the study did not indicate whether there are any toner particle emissions health risks, resist the temptation to use the distance from offices and work stations to justify printer consolidation
---Do not assume ink jet or other alternatives are safer because those technologies were outside the study's scope
Also, while the study did not cover production printers, recognize your staff may think toner-based devices are similar and therefore your equipment poses a health risk. If need be, engage an engineering firm (as I have in the past) to sample the air quality in your print and mail operation, inform your staff of the results and take action if appropriate.
The study calls for more research, and if the CRT example is any indication, it could take years until the subject is conclusively resolved. As always, be prudent in the approach taken to the concerns your staff may have relating to this and other potential health or safety risks.
Ken Weilerstein’s full report may be found by clicking here.
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About Pete Basiliere
Pete Basiliere is Gartner’s research director for print markets and management, conducting research and providing insight on production print and mail systems and applications including best practices, market strategies and technology trends. Mr. Basiliere assists suppliers and end users with practical advice relating to Gartner's Automated Document Facility (ADF 2.0) and customer relationship management (CRM) printing concepts as well as production print and mail operations and security matters. He has spoken at numerous industry events including the On Demand Conference, the GATF Technology Alert Conference and Gartner’s Print and Imaging Summit.
Mr. Basiliere has 30 years of printing and direct mail experience in operations, engineering, customer service and purchasing management, having worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, NEBS, PVA-EPVA, John Harland Company and others. The National Association for Print Leadership (NAPL) published his two books: Diversifying with Mail and Fulfillment Services: Unlocking Hidden Profit Potential and Successful Print Buying: A Guide to the Cost-Effective Procurement of Printing.