When we think of air pollution, the first thought of many may be of factory chimneys spewing smoke or highways packed with cars. However, contaminants that impact air quality exist not only outside, but inside our homes and workplaces, and can potentially come from inconspicuous sources. One such source could be your printer – more specifically the ink and toner you use. By using the rigorously tested supplies made by HP®, you can help limit exposure to harmful air pollutants.
Why Should Indoor Air Quality Be a Priority?
Think back on your typical week – how much time did you spend inside? Probably a significant amount, especially because of the current global pandemic. You’re not alone either – on average Americans spend about 90% of their time inside where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than concentrations typically are outside. In the last few decades, concentrations of pollutants indoors have increased. This is due to increased use of synthetic building materials, furnishings, personal care products, pesticides, and household cleaners. Exposure to these contaminants can cause short- and long-term health issues – from headaches and sore throats, to more serious illnesses (United States Environmental Protection Agency).
How Can We Improve Indoor Air Quality?
References
HP Development Company, L.P. “HP Indoor Air Quality”. 2020. PDF File.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Indoor Air Quality”, 2018, (www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality) Accessed August 7, 2020.
1Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT®), managed by the Green Electronics Council of the International Sustainability Development Foundation (ISDF). See epeat.net/about-epeat. For printing systems, the IEEE Standard for Environmental Assessment of Imaging Equipment (IEEE Std 1680.2-2012) is applied. EPEAT registration varies by country. See epeat.net for registration status by country. 2U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), PELs-TWA, 29 CFR 1910.1000 Z-1/Z-2, 2006. 3World Health Organization (WHO), Air Quality Guidelines for Europe, 2nd edition, 2000.