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 Printers release ultra-fine emissions
30/8/2007
Recent research carried out in Australia has demonstrated that printers can be a source of indoor air pollutants. The research adds indoor air pollutants as an example and possible contributory factor to ‘sick building syndrome’ that requires ‘specialist expertise’ to identify and tackle the cause. There is growing awareness of the importance of indoor air quality and the relationship between ‘comfort’ and higher productivity levels is strengthening.
It is cited that many of us spend as much as 80% of our time in indoor environments and a substantial amount of this time is spent at work. Investigations into indoor air quality has exposed that there are numerous indoor air pollutants present in most office areas and these include volatile organic compounds, ozone and dust. According to Health and Safety at Work legislation employers have a ’duty of care’ to look after the comfort levels of their employees and provide adequate protection against indoor air pollutants.
The Australian research seems to have confirmed the worries of many people working in close proximity to printers showing that ultra-fine dust particles can be emitted in significant quantities from certain printers and photocopiers. The ultra-fine particles emitted are similar in size to cigarette smoke and have the ability to penetrate deep into the lungs. The ultra-fine particles can cause a wide range of symptoms often associated with ’sick building syndrome’ such as sore throats and minor respiratory problems. This work showed that of the 62 printers tested more than 17 were high emitters. It is advisable to take a considered approach to these research findings and in the first instance measure the level of ‘indoor pollutants’ to see if there is a problem. The presence and quantity of ultra-fine particles can be measured and printers which are found to be high emitters can be removed from service or placed in well ventilated areas.
Many offices have a well maintained and functioning air conditioning system yet there may still be reports of adverse symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality. The quality and circulation of fresh air introduced to office environments needs to be assessed to ensure that the process of air conditioning is effective. Good ventilation is the key to extracting indoor air pollutants. The only way to be certain that the risk assessment is safe and sufficient is to undertake some actual measurements.
The reassuring part for employers is that the solutions to combating indoor air pollutants can to be pragmatic and simple to implement. The HSE recommends more detailed examination of the workplace is carried out where symptoms of ‘sick building syndrome’ persist despite precautions made. Envirocare has the expertise and equipment to undertake a wide variety of tests to determine the presence and concentration of indoor air pollutants and to measure the comfort parameters such as temperature, humidity and ventilation. We can provide a bespoke service based on the symptoms present and will provide a cost effective solution that with have your staff working in a more productive environment as soon as possible.
Please contact Andrea Beswick for further information on 01274 738668 or andrea@envirocare.org
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