Assessment of polyaromatic hydrocarbon emissions from laser printers

The potential for polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions from laser printers has been examined using a simulated printing process and a detailed chemical analysis of printer toner. We have analysed the PAH content of both carbon black (a toner constituent) and toner before and after heating and have found measurable evaporation and subsequent condensation of PAHs. Based on our analysis we have estimated a maximum possible PAH emission rate of 82.1 μg min−1 of printing for a 10% page coverage. Our VOC emission results agree well with those of other authors. The concentrations of individual PAHs in the emissions were relatively low, however non-trivial, especially long term.