HP to Researchers, 'Our Printers Are Safe'

Sidepocket_Pro sent us a link to this HP press release which reads, "Based on our own testing, HP knows that many variables can affect the outcome of tests for ultrafine particle emissions. Although HP is not aware of all of the specific methodologies used in the Queensland study, based on what we've seen in the report — as well as our own work in this area — we do not believe there is a link between printer emissions and any public health risk. Specifically, HP does not see an association between printer use by customers and negative health effects for volatile organic compounds, ozone or dust. While we recognize ultrafine, fine, and coarse particles are emitted from printing systems, these levels are consistently below recognized occupational exposure limits."

If they say so, I believe them

[Anonymous Coward]

Just like I *cough* believe the cigarette *cough* companies.

Nail Salon

[redelm]

... whew, that's a relief. I won't need to tell my sister to watch out for the printer at her nail polishing salon :)

I'm definitely not looking forward to

[Anonymous Coward]

the day we have to march outside where the smokers hang out to retrieve our printouts, only to find that the damn machine has jammed again.

on a semi-related note...

[jjeffries]

I was doing some "all-purpose geek" work-study for my school's IT dept some years ago. One day another work-study student gets mind to clean out one of our shop's big laser printers... with an air compressor.

POOF! went the jet of air, and a black toner cloud started to flow from the printer... and it kept coming and coming... the boss said, "everyone get out NOW" and closed the door behind us.

We weren't allowed in there again until men in fancy white suits swabbed down the entire room and the hundreds of PCs and parts within. Good times!

Great!

[mickq]

Now I have to wear a tinfoil hat AND a gas mask at work.

Not only are they safe...

[E++99]

....but in the event that it goes crazy, there's now a kill switch.

Very, very bad news

[cdrguru]

OK, HP admits they don't know any more about this than any other supposed experts.

The sad (but true) facts are:

• If you work near a laser printer, you are going to die.
• Work in a big city (lots of particulate pollution), you are going to die.
• Work in a coal mine? You are going to die.
• Work? You are going to die.
• Face it, you are going to die. There is no escape.
  

Sad, yes. But inescapably true.