A new study by researchers in Australia says laser printers can release tiny particles into the air that can be harmful for you to breathe.

Dr. Sean Kenniff, CBS News Medical Reporter points out that any office, like that of attorney Fernando Iamurri depends on fast, easy printing.

FIamurri told CBS News, “there's always paper trails. there's literally paper everywhere, so we're printing constantly."

But what he didn't know until now ... the printer he keeps at an arm's length could be dangerous.

Iamurri told Dr. Kenniff, "I've never seen anything coming out of it, but i would guess these particles are pretty tiny."

Researchers in Australia put 62 printers to the test, and found some
release particles of toner-like material that can irritate the lungs. Of those analyzed, 37 had no particle emissions at all. On the flip side, 17 chalked up high emissions. The worst released as many particles as a lit ciagrette.

Dr. Kenniff reports, "not all laser printers are the same, even if they're made by the same company, for instance two models made by Hewlett Packard had no particle emissions at all ... but one, made by the same company had some of the highest emissions."

In fact, most of the printers on the worst list were made by Hewlitt Packard, but the study was skewed because more HPs were tested than any other brand.

Pulmonologist Javier Perez Fernandez says put your printer in a
well-ventilated area and keep it away from where you sit.

Hewlitt Packard says it is currently reviewing the study and that all its
products undergo vigorous testing for material emissions.
Here is a complete list of High Level Emitter printers
HP Color LaserJet 4650dn
HP Color LaserJet 5550dtn
HP Color Laser Jet 8550N
HP LaserJet 1320N
HP LaserJet 1320n
HP LaserJet 2420dn
HP LaserJet 4200dtn
HP LaserJet 4250n
HP LaserJet 5(a)
HP LaserJet 8000DN
HP LaserJet 8150N
TOSHIBA Studio 450

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