Even with the availability of new technologies like file sharing and cloud storage, printers remain indispensable equipment in both business settings and home offices. If you own a printer, changing the ink cartridges is a routine aspect of its upkeep. However, it’s sometimes unavoidable to spill a little ink over yourself (or at least on your hands) when doing so.
Of course, there’s always a way to clean up these kinds of messes, no matter how persistent the stain may seem. But then, given that printer ink is made up of certain chemicals or substances, one would naturally wonder whether it is safe for it to come into contact with one’s skin. What if your child or pet ingests it by accident?
As a leading supplier of global branded printing products like Canon printer ink and HP printer ink, we’re here to help shed light on the matter. Below, we’ll discuss what printer ink is made of and look at whether it poses any health threats.
What are the ingredients in printer ink?
Printer ink typically comprises water, alcohol and ethylene glycol. Dyes, pigments and other additives are combined with the core ingredients to give the ink its colour, consistency and intensity or strength.
While the ingredients of ink for printers are considered only as toxic as dish soap (which can be resolved by drinking copious amounts of water), it doesn’t mean the ink is harmless.
The same can be said of printer toner, which comes in powder form. Inhaling small amounts of printer toner can cause minor lung, skin or eye irritation.
Is printer ink safe on skin?
Just because printer ink isn’t toxic doesn’t mean you can leave it unwashed on your skin. You’ll still need to get it off.
However, water and soap won’t do. You may need to use bleach, alcohol or hairspray to get rid of it. Tea tree oil is a gentler alternative for removing printer ink stains, especially ones on children.
Is it harmful to pets?
Although dogs and cats are attracted to the pleasantly sweet taste of ethylene glycol, it can be extremely damaging to them.
Treehugger says that even small amounts of ethylene glycol can be lethal to dogs and cats. There have been studies on the toxicity of ethylene glycol to pets, so it’s best to prevent your cat or dog from touching or ingesting it.
If your pet accidentally comes into contact with or swallows ethylene glycol or bites into a printer cartridge, take them to the vet right away.
How to handle printer ink safely
When handling, changing and utilising printing supplies and equipment, it’s essential to be cautious.
One way to ensure this is by wearing protective gear like gloves when changing or disposing of ink cartridges or toner. Remember that people react differently to substances, and direct printer ink contact with the skin can cause mild to severe irritation. So, for your safety, keep a box of disposable safety gloves handy or include it with your printer supplies.
In case you accidentally come into contact with printer ink, keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent irritation.
Also, to avoid accidental spills due to damaged or poor-quality cartridges, buy only original ink and toner supplies rather than repackaged or generic products.
Get your printer supplies from a reputable seller
To ensure you only get the best quality printing products, including printer ink and toner, get in touch with us at TonerCity.
Aside from HP and Canon, we also supply ink cartridges for Samsung, Brother, Epson and other globally renowned brands.