VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds are organic chemical compounds that have a high vapor pressure under normal conditions and have the potential to vaporize and enter the atmosphere. A wide range of carbon-based molecules can be termed as VOCs, for example aldehydes, hydrocarbons and ketones. The EPA or United States Environmental Protection Agency defines VOCs as organic compounds that participate in a photoreaction. However, there are several criticisms to this definition as some others think that it is broad and vague; as organics that are not volatile in the sense that they vaporize under normal conditions also gets included as VOC by this definition.

The most common artificial sources of VOCs are paint thinners, dry cleaning solvents, and some constituents of petroleum fuels e.g. gasoline and natural gas. Another important biological source of VOC is the trees. Trees emit large amount of VOCs, specially terpenes and isoprene. Crude oil tanking is also an important source in this respect.

Whatever their sources might be, all forms of VOCs are potentially harmful for the environment. When released into the environment, they can actively damage soil and groundwater. Moreover, vapors of VOCs released into the environment cause air pollution. As air pollutants, they can be divided into separate categories namely methane (CH4) and non-methane (NMVOCs). Methane is a greenhouse gas which actively contributes towards enhancement of global warming and is harmful for the environment. Other greenhouse gases or hydrocarbon VOCs are also significant for creating ozone and prolonging the life of methane in the atmosphere. The aromatic NMVOCs like benzene, toluene and xylene are suspected carcinogens and may lead to leukemia through prolonged exposure. Some VOCs are known to form Ozone by reacting with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight. Though important apparently, ozone is only useful in the upper level of the atmosphere where it absorbs UV rays and reduces solar radiation. When formed in the lower level, it can cause respiratory problems to individuals.

Printing houses produce a large amount of these harmful VOCs everyday. This not only causes threat to the environment but also adds to the natural dangers that mankind is facing today. Bulk printing generally requires a lot of petroleum-based inks, laminates, varnishes, and adhesives. These materials release a great amount of VOCs in the environment causing air pollution. This, in turn, increases the risk of asthma attacks and other respiratory problems.

However, the printers are going green nowadays in order to reduce the risk of bio-hazards caused by the release of these VOCs. They are using recyclable raw materials in order to conserve energy for the future of the planet and keep track of their total energy usage and implement strategies for offsetting the environmental impact of their businesses. The consumption of electricity is minimized and papers, only from companies certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), are used as they come from well-managed forests that adhere to strict environmental standards. Since printed materials are regularly required in bulk for companies, big or small, and also for personal usage, green printing has come as a much needed step towards reducing the environmental hazards created due to the harmful VOCs.

About the Author

This article is written by Ronn Jones, a marketing expert with years of experience in branding and internet marketing. Check out more information on green printing.