VOC is an abbreviation for Volatile Organic Chemicals. Chemicals made from oil, certain minerals, plants and animals are very reactive with other materials and very volatile. Organic chemicals are any compound or mixture including carbon. VOCs can not only be reactive but also produce strong fumes, are often dangerous when touching the skin and can be poisonous if swallowed. The printing industry uses different VOCs for ink, solvents and photographic developing and fixing solutions. Reducing VOCs is a priority for all sizes of print shops. Reducing VOCs is an essential step in reducing toxic contaminants entering the environment through groundwater, air and soil contamination.
Instructions
Check All Material Data Sheets
1. Read the Material Handling Data Sheet (MHDS) for each shop chemical. Include inks, blanket washes, roller washes, deglazing solutions and ink additives (varnish, dryers, emulsifiers). Examine water system additives such as pH balancing solutions and high concentrate alcohol. Determine VOC content of each item. List items with high VOC content.
2. Look for low VOC items available from alternative manufacturers. Determine also if current supplier is offering low VOC substitutes for current inventory.
3. Make price comparisons of high and low VOC materials. Determine price adjustments necessary to replace current high VOC materials with low VOC alternatives.
Talk With Equipment Technical Service Representative
4. Talk with press, camera and platemaker technical representatives to get input and advice when switching chemicals and processes.
5. Determine the manufacturer's recommendation for altering current processes. When replacing solvents and reactive chemicals, always check if any mechanical components will adversely react with these chemicals.
6. Determine if manufacturer recommends replacing any component necessary for operation with low VOC materials. Determine the cost of purchasing and installing such modifications.
Disposing of Waste Materials.
7. Dispose of high VOC substances according to manufacturer's specifications and local waste disposable directives. Don't just pour it down the drain into the local sewer system.
8. Package, label and transport any high VOC materials (which are toxic) to designated processing centers.
9. Be prepared to pay any applicable fees associated with disposing of hazardous materials.
