There is a website that has been around for at least a decade that has been sharing research on the topic of nano-sized particles. Nano-Control used to have more info, of which I have hard copies, but I can confirm that in around 2009, at least one copier had to include info specifying that all exhaust must be ventilated, and that there were a number of toxic elements in the powdered ink/toner. The ruling also required that the MSDS state that carbon black/titanium dioxide is carcinogenic, and also causes lethargy and COPD in smokers and non-smokers alike. They are referring to tobacco smokers, so I have to add here that, as surprising as it is that both these groups are affected the same, it has been just as surprising for me to fully realize that smoking high THC cannabis is the only real expectorant for both my upper congestion and lower respiratory COPD (among many other symptoms). I haven't been able to get the same test done a second time but, when I stopped work, my lungs were functioning at less than 50% capacity. I know that it has greatly improved since then through cannabis and other concurrent treatments - many of them, if not all, have been posted here at Rumor Mill.
Thank you so much, Rayelan, for creating and maintaining this beautiful Raye of Light on the internet!!!
Sonar
There are links from two "English" pages below, with related text.
https://www.nano-control.org/english
Printer-emitted particles—a global health hazard!
Welcome to nano-Control, International Foundation—breathing means living!
Our mission is clean indoor air quality (IAQ) for it is the air we breathe.
As NGO nano-Control informs the public about hazards, promotes research and solutions and helps people affected.
Particulate matter (PM) is dangerous to our health—almost every child knows that by now. Most people think of diesel exhaust particulates and factory fumes. However, it is hardly known that in developed countries the biggest risk comes from indoor air because people stay in rooms for more than 80% of their time.
About one billion laser printers and copying machines pollute the air we breathe worldwide and unfiltered
Especially laser printers and copying machines can pollute our indoor air considerably with billions of ultrafine particles per page. Printer-emitted particles (PEPs) include engineered nano materials (ENM) of carbon black and heavy metals from the toner as well as volatile organic compounds (VOC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and cause severe damage to our health, chronic disease and occupational disability. Even DNA damage to human lung cells was observed after a print job of 200 sheets.
Fortunately, the problem can be solved easily. Pollution can be reduced by using filters and be eliminated by modern ink-jet printers. They save 90% of material, 80% of current and 50% of printing costs.
https://www.nano-control.org/english/info
Nano particles and pollutants from laser printers and copying machines are a serious and global health problem—fortunately, there are solutions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which detected the diesel affair, already knew in 1995 after the examination of copying machines:
The biggest risks for national health emanate from indoor air.
The particulate matter hazard from laser printers affect almost everyone
Particulate matter kills 430,000 people annually alone in Europe and emerges also from laser printers and copying machines.
More than a billion of laser printers and copying machines worldwide pollute the air we breathe with an invisible and unfiltered mix of billions, especially ultrafine, particles per page and dangerous pollutants, among them metallic and carbon nano particles from toners! Swiss Re counts nano particles and chemicals among two of the six biggest risks for mankind.
Severe consequences for health and economy
People normally breathe in the emissions of laser printers for many years without knowing and without any protection, with severe consequences.
nano-Control has received thousands of written messages of people affected from all over the world. What starts as a harmless cold can quickly result in severe chronic diseases and frequently in occupational disability. The financial damage amounts to billions. And there are cases of death.
The troublesome experience of the people affected have now been verified by a plenty of international studies. With every breath we take, the respirable particles enter the body and reach all organs via the bloodstream up to the inside of the cells. They deposit there and can cause cell-damaging oxidative stress, inflammations and even genotoxic effects. This implies a danger of cancer! These effects have already been observed after a few minutes and only after some pages had been printed, and also at a low level and in healthy bodies.
Therefore, these effects concern everyone. Research teams in Harvard, Beijing and Freiburg are warning of these effects.
Due to this state of research and according to the precautionary principle, the Federal Government is oblidged to protect the population, to completely clarify the risks and to help the people affected.
Fortunately, there are solutions!
Low-emission ink-jet printers not only treat our health with care. They started to be as efficient as laser printers a long time ago and, according to the manufacturers, save 90% of material, 80% of current and 50% of cost.
After cases of cancer in German courts, laser printers have been replaced nationwide by ten thousands.
Even the Federal President uses ink for printing.
Filters can reduce the emissions. The first manufacturer now integrates filters worldwide.
Inform yourself and your fellow men. Only those who are informed can protect themselves.
