Kensington Office Machines

08/06/11- Kensington Office Machines

Certain laser printers used in offices and homes release tiny particles of toner-like material into the air that people can inhale deep into lungs where they may pose a health hazard, scientists are reporting. Their study appeared in the online issue of the American Chemical Society’s Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T), a semi-monthly journal.

Lidia Morawska, Ph.D., and colleagues in Australia classified 17 out of 62 printers in the study as ‘high particle emitters’ because they released such elevated quantities of particles, which the researchers believe to be toner, the ultrafine powder used in laser printers instead of ink to form text and images. One of the printers released particles into an experimental chamber at a rate comparable to the particle emissions from cigarette smoking, the report stated.

Thirty-seven of the 62 printers, on the other hand, released no particles that diminished air quality. Six released only low levels, and 2 medium levels. All printers were monitored in an open office, and the researchers recorded data on three laser printers in an experimental chamber. The study included popular models in the U. S. and Australia sold internationally under the Canon, HP Color Laserjet, Ricoh and Toshiba brand names.

Most of the printer-generated particles detected were ultrafine, Morawska said, explaining that such contaminants are easily inhaled into the smallest passageways of the lungs where they could pose ‘a significant health threat.’ Previous studies have focused on emissions of volatile organic compounds, ozone, and toner particles from office printers and copiers. However, the research left broad gaps in scientific understanding of particle emissions and airborne concentrations of particles, the report noted.

Morawska and colleagues, who are with the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, initially were not trying to close that knowledge gap. “It wasn’t an area that we consciously decided to study,” Morawska said in an interview. “We came across it by chance. Initially we were studying the efficiency of ventilation systems to protect office settings from outdoor air pollutants. We soon realized that we were seeing air pollution originating indoors, from laser printers.”

The study found that indoor particle levels in the office air increased fivefold during work hours due to printer use. Printers emitted more particles when operating with new toner cartridges, and when printing graphics and images that require greater quantities of toner.

Funded by Queensland Department of Public Works and The Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation, the ES&T report includes a list of the brands and models in the study classified by amount of particles emitted. As a result of the study, the scientists are calling on government officials to consider regulating emission levels from laser printers. “By all means, this is an important indoor source of pollution,” Morawska said. “There should be regulations.”

The health effects from inhaled ultrafine particles depend on particle composition, but the results can range from respiratory irritation to more severe illnesses, such as cardiovascular problems or cancer, Morawska said. “Even very small concentrations can be related to health hazards,” she said. “Where the concentrations are significantly elevated means there is potentially a considerable hazard.”

Larger particles also could be unhealthy without reaching the deepest parts of the lung. “Because they are larger,” Morawska added, “they contain more mass and can carry more toxins into the body. No matter how you look at it, there could be problems.”

Morawska said that more research on the health effects of inhaling printer-generated particles is needed. As a first step to lower risk, people should ensure that rooms in offices or houses are well ventilated to allow airborne particles to disperse.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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The American Chemical Society-the world’s largest scientific society-is a non-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

Source: Michael Bernstein
American Chemical Society

Kensington Office Machines Encourage Employees and Customers to  “Go Green”

Silver Spring, MD – March 27, 2009 - America is shifting to a “Green” culture and businesses are realizing that environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility, and Kensington Office Machines is no exception. Kensington Office Machines takes global warming and environmental protection seriously and encourages its employees and customers to “Go Green.”

Currently, Kensington Office Machines offers “green” services to customers including a recycling program for e-waste. Also Kensington Office Machines is creating awareness of “Going Green” in Africa.  Your generous donation to this effort will be highly appreciated.

When purchasing electronic products such as monitors, laptops, TV’s, and anything with a screen, the asset disposal, and Montgomery county recycling agencies are very effective. Because it is illegal to dispose of these products using regular methods, customers can effectively plan for and reduce the costs associated with IT asset disposition by using these facilities.

The data sanitization service offers peace of mind by eliminating all remnants of sensitive data from hard drives to protect against identity theft and maintain corporate privacy. Kensington Office Machines processing center meets the security requirements of the United States Department of Defense to ensure customers’ data is safe.

Kensington Office Machines realizes its environmental responsibility and is working to become a more “Green” company. Kensington Office Machines recently purchased energy-efficient light bulbs for the entire office and goes paperless whenever possible, making the vast majority of its internal communications available online. Employees lend a hand to the cause by turning off lights in rooms not used and using natural light whenever possible. Teammates dine using reusable dishware, silverware, and glasses for meals in the office and carpool to work whenever possible.

Kensington Office Machines is working on implementing green policies and procedures for 2009 and beyond. The company hopes to become 100 percent paperless, and plans on buying energy saving computers in the future. Kensington Office Machines is taking concrete steps to reduce its footprint on the environment and continues to look for new and innovative ways to help the cause.Visit our hardware online site at www.kensingtonofficemachines.com for yourMinolta, Okidata, IBM, Swintec, Acroprint, Acer, Toshiba, Smith Corona, HP and Canon needs. “SHOP, BUY, REQUEST SERVICE” Kensington Office Machines.