PM₂.₅ Emissions from Office Laser Printers: Real-Time Exposure Assessment and Risk Mitigation

Authors

  • Oluwasayo Peter Abodunrin
    Department of Physical Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria.
  • Oluwaseun Dosunmu
    Department of Physics, Lagos State University of Education, Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Inioluwa Olowofila
    Department of Physical Sciences, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Nigeria.
  • Oladipupo Olanrewaju
    Department of Physical Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria.
  • Augustine Kolapo Ademola
    Department of Physical Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria.

Keywords:

PM₂.₅ Emissions, Laser Printers, Heavy Metals, Occupational Exposure, Inhalation Risk Assessment, HEPA Filtration, Office Air Quality

Abstract

Laser printers are emerging sources of indoor air pollution, emitting fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and trace heavy metals. This study assessed exposure risks in 20 office environments using real-time PM₂.₅ monitoring and toner analysis. The PM₂.₅ levels were recorded with a TSI DustTrak DRX during work hours over two weeks. Toner types (OEM, compatible, remanufactured, drill-fill) were analyzed for Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Cd via atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Risk assessments were based on U.S. EPA models. The PM₂.₅ concentrations ranged from 6.2 to 59.1 µg/m³ and correlated with print volume (r = 0.77). Lead and nickel were primary contributors to non-cancer (Hazard Quotient > 1) and cancer risks (up to 1.15 × 10⁻⁷). While metal levels in toner met regulatory limits, cumulative PM₂.₅ exposure raises concern. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration and use of low-metal toners reduced PM₂.₅ by 40% and lead exposure by 25%. Effective mitigation is essential in managing office air quality. Laser printers were identified as significant indoor sources of PM₂.₅ and trace metals, with risks strongly influenced by print volume and ventilation. Lead and nickel posed the greatest health concerns, while HEPA filtration and low-metal toners effectively reduced exposures.

Dimensions

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Published

2026-07-09

How to Cite

Abodunrin, O. P., Dosunmu, O., Olowofila, I., Olanrewaju, O., & Ademola, A. K. (2026). PM₂.₅ Emissions from Office Laser Printers: Real-Time Exposure Assessment and Risk Mitigation. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 35(4), 75-83. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v35i4.2026.644

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 4 (2026): Nigerian Journal of Physics - Vol. 35 No. 4

Section

Articles
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2026 Oluwasayo Peter Abodunrin, Oluwaseun Dosunmu, Inioluwa Olowofila, Oladipupo Olanrewaju, Augustine Kolapo Ademola

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Abodunrin, O. P., Dosunmu, O., Olowofila, I., Olanrewaju, O., & Ademola, A. K. (2026). PM₂.₅ Emissions from Office Laser Printers: Real-Time Exposure Assessment and Risk Mitigation. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 35(4), 75-83. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v35i4.2026.644

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