More health warnings for schools!

With the 'how safe is Wi-Fi' debate continuing, and stairs being so dangerous, it's no surprise that there may be another 'health risk' in schools - laser printers.

According to an Australian study, around a third of modern printer models release 'potentially dangerous levels of toner into the air' as they are completing a job.  Almost one-third were found to emit ultra-tiny particles of toner-like material, so small that they can infiltrate the lungs and cause a range of health problems from respiratory irritation to more chronic illnesses. Conducted in an open-plan office, the test revealed that particle levels increased five-fold during working hours, a rise blamed on printer use. 

The problem was worse when new cartridges were used and when graphics and images required higher quantities of toner.  So make sure that you have your printers in a well ventilated place!

Wow - I'm surprised that we manage to make it home from school every day alive!