Backgrounder

High Level of User Safety with HP LaserJet and HP Color LaserJet Printing Systems

As the worldwide leader in imaging and printing, HP is committed to driving the development of user-friendly printing technologies and products. Vigorous tests under standardized operating conditions are an integral part of HP’s R&D efforts and strict quality control procedures. In this context, HP laser printing systems are also assessed for potential particle release and other emissions. As a global company, HP follows internationally valid health and safety requirements and considers scientifically recognized assessment and certification criteria.

Tested toner safety

Original HP toner and print cartridges undergo defined quality testing and are strictly examined according to the assessment criteria for preparations in the European Union (Directive 1999/45/EC, as amended). The manufacturing of HP toner and print cartridges follows international standards such as ISO 9001:2000 (quality assurance in production) and ISO 14001 (environmental management system).

Low release of material emissions

HP laser printing systems comply with applicable and internationally recognized occupational safety standards. Accordingly, under intended conditions of use, potential device emissions such as ozone and styrene are significantly below the applicable emission limit values of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),(1) the binding occupational exposure limits of the EU(2) and the German occupational exposure limit values (AGW).(3) They comply with the toxicologically based Chronic Reference Exposure Levels (CREL),of the Californian Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA).(4)

Furthermore, emission values also meet the strict inhalation guide values of the U.S. EPA,(5) internationally recognized indoor guidelines of the World Health Organization(6) and the total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) recommendations of the German Federal Environmental Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA).(7) Moreover, HP’s design criteria for its laser printing systems incorporate guidelines by both the GREENGUARD program(8) in the United States and Blue Angel program(9) in Germany (according to RAL- UZ 85/114 or RAL-UZ 122).

For the purpose of a preventative health and consumer protection, the whole HP laser printing system (device, print cartridges and papers) is always examined in special test chambers in order to determine potential emission sources. Measurements are performed under extreme usage conditions and closely follow the guidelines of the international standard ECMA-328,(10)the emission criteria of GREENGUARD(8) and of the Blue Angel