One scientific breakthrough too many (From Haringey Independent)

One scientific breakthrough too many

8:35am Wednesday 1st August 2007

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Breaking news today is that some laser printers found in offices and homes can damage lungs in a similar way to cigarettes.

A group of scientists at Australia's Queensland University made the discovery after an investigation into various printers found that they give off potentially harmful toner into the air that we breathe.

They are now calling for better awareness including a health warning on the offending items.

This comes in the same week as scientists in this country announced that low levels of air pollution can increase the possibility of dying early.

Oh and although the levels of air pollution have decreased over the years, it is believed that it is still becoming more toxic.

And lets not forget another announcement this week that drinking a beer or glass of wine on a daily basis can increase the risk of being diagnosed with bowel cancer by 10 per cent. That study was by Cancer Research UK. Plus the more you drink the more at risk you are.

And finally (as if that wasn't enough), a team at Oxford University have discovered a gene which not only has the potential to determine left handedness, but carriers might also have an increased chance of developing psychotic mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.

Fabulous.

To be honest I don't know whether I should be grateful for these potentially pioneering breakthroughs or I should run and hide and pray to be transported back in time where not every piece of machinery, item of food or drink, or even air could kill us in one way or another. Well maybe it could and we just didn't know but somehow I quite like it that way.

You know the saying, ignorance is bliss.

Because armed with this information what am I to do? Not drink? Not breathe outside? Get tested for this gene? Not use the work printer??? But then what about using my mobile phone? Or dare I bring up the current issue of the moment in Haringey and question the effects that Wi Fi could have on my health? And what about all the other technologies not yet branded with their own method of killing us off?

So is it better to know? The jury is out. But I am still hoping they find a link between air conditioning and something horrible, so I can finally get it turned off for good in this newsroom.