up vote 0 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

I know from the press that laser printers are suspected to produce health risks for humans because of ozone and emission of particles causing cancer, see for example http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/78455.php.

Now my question is if there are similar health risks known in connection with inkjet printers. Especially if their ink is pigment based like in the new HP Officejet 8100 Pro. What are the health risks of pigment based ink in comparison to that of dye ink?

I am not sure if this question belongs to this site, if it is not appropriate please let me know a better place to ask it.

link|improve this question
38% accept rate
1  
Personally, I'd be more worried about that bus near the street crossing you cross every day ... – ldigas Dec 28 '11 at 13:58
1  
Hmm, I know of Diesel engines releasing cancer causing particles into the air as well. I know that inkjet ink is quite poisonous when it comes to contact with eyes or if swallowed or inhaled. As far as I know, though, it doesn't release as much airborne particles as laser printers. It pretty much only releases fumes, but since they're not exactly hot, it doesn't do much harm. – polemon Dec 28 '11 at 14:00
humans have built in filtration systems for particulates, that is what the mucus is for. (mucus is your friend :-) Assuming it is working correctally (long list of drugs exist that alter its effectiveness) the filter puts even this toner dust into the hankerchief or into the stomach. Solvent based things can instead be adsorbed directally into the bloodstream. I (myself) have gotten more sick over paint drying than rainbow snot from toners :-) When they assess a chemical introduction, did they analise the actual quantity that makes it to the lung, or just what is floating about? – Psycogeek Dec 28 '11 at 14:31
1  
Printer ink and toner is bad for you, always has been. Don't touch, ingest or inhale it; and always read the warnings on the packages. :) – techie007 Dec 28 '11 at 15:03
feedback

closed as off topic by techie007, random♦ Dec 28 '11 at 20:00

Questions on Super User are expected to generally relate to computer software or computer hardware, within the scope defined in the faq.