Laser printers uses a toner dust like particle and heat to burn the image on the paper. This is 100% safe, and how all laser printers work. A laser printer is usually more expensive than the disposable throw away ink cartridge printers, and comparable in price to ink tank printers. With that in mind, it is a matter of preference. Laser printers are usually associated with business printers, even though the grade school will provide a laser printer for the family that has students in the school system. Laser printers will typically need replacing of the toner cartridge much less often than with ink. One thing to note, that NSC requirements will limit the toner cartridge types to just three formats – therefore make purchasing the right toner cartridges a much easier job.