Health dangers lurk in the oddest of places.

True. Very true. 

An Australian professor Lidia Morawska has found that laser printers emit fine particles that can enter the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems and potentially even cancer.

Professor Morawska told the Brisbane Times:

Ultra-fine particles are of most concern because they can penetrate deep into the lungs where they can pose a significant health threat.

Morawska and her team tested 40 laser printers and found that 13 were high emitters of particles from their toners, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Morawska compared the clouds of ultra-fine particles from the printers to cigarette smoke and motor vehicle emissions.

Professor Morawska plans to analyze the chemistry of the particles, which will also have health implications for people working around these printers.

Morawska is a Professor at the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia, and Director of the International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health at QUT.