The laser printer from your office or home could be in fact “a silent killer”. A new study conducted by the Australian scientists claims that certain laser printers used in offices and homes are a health risk because of the tiny particles of toner-like material released into the air. Inhaled by people, those particles may produce health problems, from respiratory irritation to more severe illnesses, such as cardiovascular problems or cancer.

During the study, Lidia Morawska, Ph.D., and colleagues in Australia classified 17 out of 62 as “high particle emitters” because they released such elevated quantities of particles. Also one of the printers released particles into an experimental chamber at a rate comparable to the particle emissions from cigarette smoking, the report stated

Tough, there is also good news. Thirty-seven of the 62 printers released no particles that diminished air quality, while six released only low levels, and 2 medium levels.

The study, which included printers from Canon, HP Color Laserjet, Ricoh and Toshiba, was conducted in an open office, in order to reproduce “a real life” environment.

According to Morawska, indoor particle levels in the office air increased fivefold during work hours due to printer use. Printers emitted more particles when operating with new toner cartridges, and when printing graphics and images that require greater quantities of toner.

Although the study hasn’t offered any definitive proofs and concluded that more research on the health effects is needed, it’s clearly that some regulations are needed.

“By all means, this is an important indoor source of pollution,” Morawska said. “There should be regulations.”

The study is published in the August 1 online issue of the American Chemical Society’s Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T).