ETIRA reveals that a selection of imported non-OEM new-build cartridges sourced in Europe that were tested by the German LGA Institute and 100% failed.
ETIRA, as part of its product safety remit, today published the test results of three new-build non-OEM cartridges purchased on Amazon. ETIRA then commissioned the testing of the toner cartridges by Germany’s expert LGA test centre.
Five further tests by the LGA were commissioned by other industry players concerned about product safety. According to ETIRA “The result was stunning: All eight new non-OEM newbuild cartridges failed the LGA emissions tests for multiple reasons.”
Also included were the results of two toners widely in use by European remanufacturers and, according to ETIRA, both toners passed the LGA emissions test.
Publishing the results, ETIRA said: “The range of failures included excessive levels of cobalt, benzene, naphthalene and Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether. Which may cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life, may cause an allergic skin reaction and may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.”
Javier Martinez, President of ETIRA said: “These tests show that very often it is dangerous to buy new-build non-OEM cartridges: by offering products containing dirty toners, traders are playing with the health of their customers. The current coronavirus pandemic will heighten the awareness and need for the products we use to be safe and reliable, and at the same time the standards required for CE and other certifications applied to goods entering the EU must be rigorously checked.”
High levels of benzene may be fatal if swallowed and may cause genetic defects, cancer and damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Naphthalene was present in seven of the tested cartridges and according to the ECHA classification this substance is very toxic to aquatic life, with long lasting effects, is harmful if swallowed and is suspected of causing cancer.
Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether, may damage fertility and may damage the unborn child and is a flammable liquid and vapour.
Editor’s Opinion: While the LGA test thresholds are not legally binding at the moment, they do show a disquieting level of impurities that can impact on everyone in the supply chain, from toner manufacturers, assembly workers through to the final consumer.
You can download the test results here.
