Laser printers as dangerous as second-hand smoke?

What's more dangerous for your respiratory health--your laser printer or that pack of Camel Lights? If a recent study proves credible, the answer might just be a toss-up. Researchers at Australia's Queensland University of Technology have discovered that almost one third of all laser printers release ultra-tiny particles of toner-like material into the air, where they can be inhaled by unwilling office drones, leading to respiratory irritation and even serious illness--much like second-hand smoke. According to the study, the number of particles released correlates directly with the amount of toner used by the printer. For example, the scientists found that the number of particles found in the air increased five-fold throughout the course of the working day. Might want to rethink that decision to sit closer to the old printer, eh?

For more on the study:
- see this BBC story