Hobbies And Interests
Varying Opinions
Some researchers believe that certain printers can be toxic, or emit toxic fumes, but not everyone agrees. For example, a 2007 study by Queensland University of Technology concluded that some laser printers emitted toxic elements, but Hewlitt Packard (HP), a laser printer manufacturer, disagreed with the findings. HP was included on many of the printers in the study that were found to be toxic, so the company investigated through its own research and came up with different results.
Photo Labs
There are two types of photo labs: wet and dry labs. Wet labs develop prints using chemicals, some of which emit toxic fumes. Acetic acid, ammonium hydroxide, p-Benzoquinone, bromine and catechin are all chemicals commonly found in photography wet labs, and are all highly toxic if inhaled, including breathing in fumes. Some photo labs are switching to dry labs, which allow employees to print photos without the need for toxic chemicals.
Open Area and Ventilation
One way to reduce or eliminate any potential harm from toxic fumes from a printer is to place it in an open area. Do not place the printer in a small room or closet, as this makes it is easier to inhale any toxic fumes. A fan or open windows near the printer helps ventilate the area so you breathe in less fumes.
Risk
Even if you use a printer that emits toxic fumes, you have a low risk of being affected by the fumes, unless you stand next to it and breathe in toxic fumes all day for several years. The fumes are similar to those at gas stations, and are essentially harmless in small amounts. However, too much exposure can lead to diseases such as cancer or various respiratory problems.