| When changing printer toner, one's first | | | | Some laser printer toners are considered |
| priority is often getting the printer running | | | | carcinogens, or cancer causing, increasing |
| as quickly as possible to finish the project | | | | the risk of those individuals facing |
| at hand. But it's best to slow down and take | | | | extremely heavy and long-term exposure. |
| the time to follow necessary safety | | | | Nevertheless, typical office and personal use |
| precautions. | | | | is deemed safe. |
| | | | |
| While printer toner itself isn't a health | | | | So take precautions. Vacuum, don't sweep or |
| hazard, its fine powder in high concentration | | | | brush, spilled toner dust. Clean up desktops |
| can be. This powder can stay in the air for | | | | or surfaces with a damp cloth. Should toner |
| quite a while, and is similar to dust when it | | | | get on your hands, wash them thoroughly and |
| comes to its effects on our body, resulting | | | | immediately with soap and cold water, which |
| in irritations like sneezing and coughing. | | | | keeps your pores closed and protects your |
| Add any respiratory conditions like | | | | hands from becoming stained. Avoid any |
| bronchitis or asthma and these effects | | | | contact with your eyes or mouth, and never |
| worsen. | | | | ingest. To play it extra safe, put the toner |
| | | | in a zipped plastic bag to avoid possible |
| How can this dust become airborne? You'd be | | | | dust emissions. |
| surprised at how easy it is. Improper | | | | |
| disposal of printer toner in waste baskets | | | | If you experience shortness of breath or |
| can quickly spread dust through the air. | | | | persistent coughing, stop working with the |
| Machine spills can cycle through the | | | | printer toner, if applicable, and get fresh |
| ventilator fan. Over-filled waste toner | | | | air immediately. Then seek medical attention |
| compartments can overflow within the machine. | | | | if your symptoms persist. |
| | | | |