Dhimiter Bello

Inhalation exposure to nanoparticles from toner-based laser printer and photocopier emissions (LPEs) induces airway inflammation and systemic oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity (such as DNA damage). Recent evidence from human and in vitro studies suggests a strong role for oxidative stress caused by free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), in the toxicity of laser printer emissions.

As nanocomposite materials enter the marketplace, it is critical to consider the entire life cycle of those products, including end of life and reuse of scrap. While recycling of polymer based materials is widely accepted for manufacturing and consumer scrap, the influence of the nanoscale filler on the recycling process has received little attention and may pose some unique challenges, such as the potential for human exposure to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) during the recycling process.