Environmental hazards from paper and printing industries

Nature

Hazards from paper and printing industries include accidents, environmental pollution, noise, dust and chemical hazards.

Accidents are responsible for the greatest amount of lost time. In addition to the usual tripping, falling, striking and being-struck accidents, must be added those from moving and revolving machinery. In the pulp industry, bark removing machinery, log cutting and shredding of pulp present serious hazards. Serious accidents can also be caused by the falling of badly stacked paper rolls.

Environmental problems are aggravated by the hot humid atmosphere of the drying rooms; and the high temperatures in the boiling, washing, and sulphate recovery areas expose operators to high levels of relative humidity and considerable temperature variations. Bronchitis and other respiratory ailments may result. Noise hazards result from the high noise levels at every stage of pulp and paper production (80dB to over 100dB); dust accumulations lead to increased fire and explosion possibilities; and the most serious chemical hazard results from the handling of lime and the lime kiln.

Depending on the age and type of plant and its technical pollution control, effluents from paper mills can contain high levels of organic fibres, natural plant resins and tannins, and synthetic chemicals and dyes. Improper disposal has caused major ecological damage to receiving waters.

Claim

The environmental hazards posed by the paper and printing industries are a critical issue that cannot be ignored. These sectors contribute significantly to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The toxic chemicals used in inks and processing not only harm ecosystems but also threaten human health. As we strive for sustainability, it is imperative to address these detrimental practices urgently. We must advocate for responsible production methods and prioritize eco-friendly alternatives to protect our planet for future generations.

Counter-claim

While some may argue that the paper and printing industries pose environmental hazards, this perspective overlooks the industry's strides in sustainability. Innovations in recycling, eco-friendly inks, and responsible sourcing of materials have significantly mitigated negative impacts. Furthermore, the demand for paper products remains essential for communication and education. Focusing on this issue distracts from more pressing environmental challenges, such as climate change and plastic pollution, which require our immediate attention and resources.