Characterization of coloured toner powders and emissions from colour photocopiers/colour laser printers

In test-chamber experiments gaseous and particulate emissions from modern c olour photocopiers and colour laser printers were determined. Metals as wel l as azo dyes or aromatic amines were analyzed in the corresponding toner p owders. Additionally the emitted gas mixtures and the toner material were c haracterized toxicologically by means of in vitro shortterm tests. The resu lts of this study shall support the efforts of the German statutory insuran ce in setting up adequate test standards in order to prevent health hazards for operators of colour copiers or laser printers in office rooms.