Is compatible HP toner safe?
In recent years, a number of health and safety organizations have raised their concerns about the safety of everyday items being used by consumers. In this regard, Hewlett Packard (HP) has taken a positive step by publishing a list of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) on their website. The purpose of the MSDS for compatible HP toner is to educate the buyers about the environmental or health risks they may face while using any HP printer and its compatible toner.
The list of HP printers and their compatible toners on the HP website, which can easily be accessed by owners of the printers. Generally, the safety precautions prescribed in each MSDS are similar, identifying the risks they should be wary about. Picking up the MSDS of HP-CB402A as an example, the details mentioned are:
Identifying Health Issues Caused By HP Compatible Toners:
The HP compatible toners have not been found to cause skin rashes or irritation. They have also been found free of any cancerous substances. The chemicals in the HP compatible toners may, however, cause temporary redness in the eye. Inhaling or swallowing the toner powder may cause minor respiratory or digestive problems. If larger amounts of the toner are inhaled for a long time, it may lead to severe lung issues. However, if the toner is used for the specific purpose it is meant for, there is minimal chance of encountering any such health problem.
Accidents And Environmental Problems That Can Be Caused By HP Compatible Toners:
The HP compatible toners contain combustible substances such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. However, the combustion is more likely to occur if the toner is exposed to the air and with the intended use of the HP compatible toners, there is little chance of such an incident occurring.
Precautionary Measures To Be Taken:
Any immediate contact with the eye should be taken care of by immediately washing them with cold water or eye cleaning eye drops. In cases where the toner causes skin irritation or allergies, the area should be washed off with soap. If respiratory problems occur, the person should be moved out of the surroundings. The powder’s remnants should be flushed out of the body by drinking water in large quantities if accidentally swallowed.
If any of these problems persist or grow in severity, immediate medical assistance should be sought.
As a precaution against accidents and environmental hazards, the toner should not be exposed to air. Care must also be taken when discarding the used toner cartridges in order to risk minimum exposure.
Classification Of HP Compatible Toners By Health Authorities:
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) CFR 1910.1200 and the directive 1994/45/EC released by the European Union (EU), the toner is not categorized as dangerous.
Is Compatible HP Toner Safe?
In the context of (EC) 1907/2006, the contents of the HP toners have not been categorized as PBT (Persistent, Bioaccumulative, Toxic). This means that the HP compatible toner is safe for use by people.