All printers not just Xerox machines emit radiation, it is a fact and nobody can deny it. But, the million dollar question should be, can ‘printer radiation’ cause bodily harm to the one exposed to it?
Before we can go into specifics, let’s define what is radiation? From the technical point of view ‘radiation’ simply means ‘energy emitted by an object’ and it could come from lamps, the computer monitors and even smartphone screens. Xerox machines to be clear produces radiation in the form of light, but it is the type that is not a cause for alarm. It uses very bright light that can cause issues to the eyes if exposed for long periods of time.
Exposure happens during the copying process, because Xerox machines bathe the document with light. The process involves reflecting the image into the drum, etching, coating with toner or ink and paper passing through it. Since it uses high-voltage electricity, radiation also happens, but the mechanism and cabinet contains and insulates the printer operator from it. The process does not emit harmful x-ray radiation but only noise during printing.
The kind of ‘radiation’ that people dread is ‘ionizing radiation’ a harmful type because it is more energetic and harmful. People avoid exposed to it because it damages complex molecules of living things and that include us humans. However, in some instances we go through it in the form of dental x-ray and several others. Light that comes out of xerox machines and copiers is not as harmful, but caution must be observed to be on the safe side.
Always make it a habit to be extra cautious, avoid Xerox machines or copiers when necessary, or deal with it with an open mind. Believe experts and their findings that ‘printer radiation’ is different and is not altogether harmful to us humans.
