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stories filed under: "smoking"
Too Much Free Time

Too Much Free Time

by Mike Masnick

Thu, Aug 9th 2007 11:23pm


Filed Under:
smoking, sms, text messaging



Suddenly, Mobile Phone Operators Are Big Supporters Of Smoking Bans...

from the smexting? dept

If you suddenly start hearing stories about mobile phone operators being big supporters of bans on smoking, perhaps a new report is the reason why. Apparently, telcos in the UK are noticing a recent surge in text messaging, which they attribute to a new ban on smoking in confined spaces. The working theory is that smokers need something to do with their hands to keep them busy, and that texting is taking up that free time, now that they can't smoke. It's as good a theory as any, but it seems unlikely to have a very longterm impact.

13 Comments | Leave a Comment..

 
(Mis)Uses of Technology

(Mis)Uses of Technology

by Mike Masnick

Wed, Aug 1st 2007 8:04am


Filed Under:
printers, smoking



Watch Out For Secondhand Printing? Laser Printers Deemed Dangerous To The Lungs

from the watch-out dept

A new report is getting all sorts of attention today for claiming that laser printers can be as dangerous for your lungs as smoking. Apparently, laser printers kick up some tiny particles of toner that people inhale. The researchers are asking the gov't to start regulating the printers and requiring health warnings -- but it may be a bit quick to call for such things. The study only showed that 1/3 of printers they studied had this problem and seems to show that this could be a problem, not that it actually is. Not to say that it shouldn't be studied more to find out if it is a real health issue, but before spending lots of time and money on regulations it seems like a little more research should be added. In the meantime, why not just publish which printers are the dangerous ones? That should drive people to stop buying those printers while also pushing the printer makers to fix whatever it is that causes the emissions. Since it doesn't happen on all printers, clearly it's something that has a technical fix that doesn't require the government to get involved at all.

33 Comments | Leave a Comment..

 
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