HP hits back in printer health scare row

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 3 Aug 2007 at 13:57

HP has dismissed claims that laser printers could pose the same health risks as passive smoking.

Earlier this week, researchers from Australia's International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health claimed that laser printers emitted hazardous levels of particles, which are so fine they are not readily filtered by the lungs. Some produced the same amount of particulate pollution that a smoker would generate, the Australian scientists claimed.

The research has drawn short shrift from Tuan Tran, HP's vice president of marketing for supplies. "HP does not agree with its conclusion or some of the bold claims the authors have made recently in press reports," he claims in a statement.

"HP stands behind the safety of its products. Testing of ultrafine particles is a very new scientific discipline," he says. "There are no indications that ultrafine particle (UFP) emissions from laser printing systems are associated with special health risks."

Tran even claims its impossible to distinguish between particles emitted by printers and other household objects. "Currently, the nature and chemical composition of such particles - whether from a laser printer or from a toaster - cannot be accurately characterised by analytical technology," he claims.

"However, many experts believe that many of the UFPs found in common household and office products are not discrete solid particles, but may be condensation products or small droplets created during thermal processes," he adds.

HP says its conducting further tests in this area - although pointedly not with the Australians. "HP agrees more testing in this area is needed, which is why we've been active with two of the world's leading independent authorities on this subject: Air Quality Sciences in the United States and the Wilhelm-Klauditz Institute in Germany," says Tran.