Fine dust filter for printers
Printers, copiers and fax machines emit toxic fine dust particles. Laser printers in particular are under criticism. Printing generates toner dust that is harmful to health. To reduce the burden on users and the environment, there are special fine dust filters for printers. In the guide you can find out interesting facts about fine dust during printing.
How are fine dust emissions generated by a printer?
Unlike inkjet printers, laser printers use toner powder. It consists of fine particles. Toner dust is produced during printing. The so-called fine dust emission is not visible to the naked eye. The particles are only a few micrometres in size. They enter the lungs through inhalation. Only when the particles reach the paper are they harmless, as the powder fuses with it.
Why is fine dust dangerous?
Most toners are based on synthetic resin. The toner powder contains carcinogenic, toxic substances like benzene, tributyltin and dibutyltin. The amount of hazardous substances contained varies depending on the manufacturer and the type of printer cartridge. Research has shown that most hazardous substances are produced at the beginning of the printing process. Because of their small size, they enter the lungs. They are deposited down to the smallest ramifications. From there they enter the bloodstream. Heavy metals, carbon black and other pollutants are associated with
- Inflammation
- DNA damage
- allergic reactions
- oxidative stress, which damages cells
A fine dust filter for printers prevents harmful influences from fine dust emissions. Recommended are variants that simultaneously screen out carbon with a carbon layer. In some cases, they eliminate the chemical odours generated during printing.
How do you reduce the risk of fine dust emissions during printing?
Apart from a fine dust filter for printers, there are various recommendations for the location of the device. Placing it directly on the desk increases the risk to the user. Therefore, place the device as far away from the workplace as possible. This applies not only to laser printers, but also to fax machines and copiers, which emit toxic fine dust. If you have sufficient space available, a well-ventilated, separate room is a good option.
When buying a new printer, inkjet printers are a pollution-free alternative to laser printers. Optionally, you can purchase a certified device with a fine dust filter. In offices where powerful laser printers are standard equipment, regular airing helps. This reduces the level of pollutants in the room.
It is important to be careful when changing the toner. Improper handling leads to respiratory diseases in humans and animals. The most effective remedy is fine dust filters for printers. They reduce the emission of harmful fine dust particles to a minimum.
Note: Choose a machine with a closed toner system, which has less impact on the environment and respiratory tract than an open one.
How does a fine dust filter for printers work?
The models are made of recyclable, environmentally neutral fleece, similar to the hoover filter. They have a three-layer structure. Electrostatic microfibres enable optimal filtering. The fabrics are suitable for a service life of up to one year or for 70,000 prints. They are tear-resistant and durable. The different layers serve different purposes. The pre-filter screens out the larger particles.
The middle layer contains microfibres with electrostatic charge. The outer layer filters out the smallest particles with fine-pored microfibres. Conventional fine dust filters for printers collect 94 per cent of the fine dust particles that are produced during printing with a laser printer.
The models consist of a fleece. It has either microstatically charged microfibres or a special coating. In some cases, manufacturers combine both variants. Filters with coating prevent the fine dust from escaping. They keep particles and dust away from the environment. With electrostatic microfibres, the fleece binds the particles so that they cannot escape to the outside. In addition to fine dust, an activated carbon layer filters toxic substances such as benzene, toluene and ozone. All filters do not contain paper, so that they do not get mouldy from moisture.
Does the fine dust filter for printers affect performance?
Many users worry that a fine dust filter will affect the performance of the printer. In fact, the fine dust filters for printers provide good airflow as long as they change the filter regularly. Cooling and printer performance remain the same.
How useful is a fine dust filter for printers in a home office or open-plan office?
A fine dust filter for printers binds hazardous substances that are produced during printing. It does not matter whether you print less in your home office than in an open-plan office. Every printing process produces tiny particles of fine dust that settle in your lungs when you breathe in. In addition to toner dust, the devices emit ozone, benzene and other toxic substances. A fine dust filter that filters out nanoparticles reduces the burden on users.
When does a fine dust filter start to pay off for a printer?
It is worth buying a fine dust filter for any laser printer that does not have its own fine dust filter. Every time you print, harmful substances are produced that enter your lungs when you breathe in. They lead to irritation of the mucous membranes, local inflammation of the bronchial tubes or deposits in the blood vessels. Especially if you print often and a lot, a fine dust filter is essential to protect the environment and health.
How often do you change the fine dust filter for printers?
The fine dust filter protects the environment and health as long as you use it properly. It is important that you check the filter regularly. This will prevent unnecessary pollution. Clogged filters cause the printer to overheat. It is recommended that you check it once every six months. This applies equally to built-in and retrofitted models. If you use the printer often, it is recommended that you change it after six months.
A fine dust filter lasts for a maximum of one year or for printing a maximum of 70,000 pages. Depending on the frequency of use, early replacement is recommended. Regular maintenance of the printer by qualified personnel increases safety.
What do you have to consider when buying fine dust filters for printers?
If you have a device with a built-in fine dust filter, use the product recommended by the manufacturer or a compatible alternative. If the printer does not have its own protection against emissions, install the air purifier later. The Clean Office and Clean Air brands from tesa are popular. They have an adhesive edge which you attach to the fan of the laser printer. Please check whether the product is suitable for your model.
It is important that you check regularly that the filter is full. If there is a blockage, the device will run hot.
Tip: For printers with laser printers, use emission-free paper.
What properties does a good fine dust filter for printers need?
These factors are important:
- filter respirable fine dust below 2.5 micrometres (1µm = one thousandth of a millimetre!)
- electrostatically charged microfibres that read out the finest particles
- easy installation
- high air permeability to ensure optimum cooling
- Installation instructions
Which types of printers produce the lowest or highest levels of particulate emissions?
In general, inkjet printers are more environmentally friendly and less harmful to health than laser printers. They produce neither fine dust nor ozone. If you use powerful, fast laser printers, make sure you use a fine dust filter. This filter binds 94 percent of the fine particles. When you buy a new device, follow the manufacturer's instructions on fine dust emissions.
New models largely avoid the use of harmful substances. The indication "ozone-free" confirms ozone emissions below the detectable limit.
Tip: A good alternative for laser printers are inkjet printers of the EPSON WorkForce brand. They work fast, are powerful and consume little energy.
How do you install the fine dust filter for printers?
Laser printers with a fine dust filter have a slide-in holder into which they insert the cartridge. On some models, you change the toner at the same time as you change the air purifier. For retrofitted models, installation is simple. The fine dust filters are based on a self-adhesive Velcro system that you attach to the printer's exhaust fan. It is important that you make sure that the fine dust filter is suitable for your device. In the Prindo online shop you can order clean office products for various printers.