Directory UMM :Data Elmu:jurnal:E:Environmental Management and Health:Vol11.Issue1.2000:
The research register for this journal is available at
http://www.mcbup.com/research_registers/emh.asp
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
http://www.emerald-library.com
Heavy metal content of
newspapers: longitudinal
trends
P. Tucker, P. Douglas, A. Durrant and A.S. Hursthouse
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,
University of Paisley, Paisley, Scotland, UK
Heavy metal
content of
newspapers
47
Received September
1998
Revised January 1999
Keywords Newspaper, Heavy metals, Copper, Ink, Colour
Abstract Examines whether there are any environmental or health implications associated with
the increased use of colour in newspapers, if the newspapers are reused or recycled. New heavy
metal analyses of UK daily newspapers from 1992, 1996 and 1998 are reported. Lead, mercury
and cadmium were found to be below their measurement detection limits (4ppm, 5ppm and 1ppm
respectively) in nearly all samples. Barium and total chromium levels were highest in supplements
printed on ``glossy'' paper. Copper was present at levels around 20-30ppm in the standard
newsprint sections and at levels of 80ppm or more in the supplements. Copper concentrations
increased by 33-40 per cent between 1992 and 1998 which correlated well with the increased
colour content. A scientific appraisal and review showed that the heavy metal contents of
newspapers are highly unlikely to pose any environmental risk or to have any health implications.
Introduction
Old newspapers are a major target of strategies for recycling or reusing greater
percentages of the domestic waste stream. Its uses in applications such as
animal bedding and home composting are being explored increasingly, and
increased recovery for recycling into new paper is being advocated. Recycling
printed paper, however, generates a de-inking sludge as a waste or by-product.
One of the options for disposal of the by-product is through land-spreading. In
considering all these applications, it is important to ascertain whether there are
any potential health or environmental implications associated with returning
old newspapers (or their residues) back into the environment. In the past,
concern was expressed about the levels of heavy metals in printers' inks,
though nowadays both industry and environmental organisations agree that
these may no longer be a problem (e.g. Caractere, 1991; Endriss, 1993; Grund,
1994; Friends of the Earth, 1997).
There are, however, relatively few published scientific analyses of the heavy
metal contents of actual newspaper which can be cited to fully substantiate
these claims. Major analyses of the newspaper components of the domestic
waste stream were undertaken in the UK in 1992 and 1993, though as far as the
authors are aware, these have not been repeated in the UK since. The period
The research forms part of the Newspaper Industry Environmental Technology Initiative being
undertaken at the University of Paisley. The Newspaper Industry Environmental Technology
Initiative is jointly funded by Bridgewater Paper Co. Ltd., Daishowa Forest Products Ltd.,
Donohue Inc., Enso Publication Papers, Holmen Paper AB., Manders Oil Inks Ltd., Norske Skog,
Stora, Sun Chemical Inks and UPM-Kymmene.
Environmental Management
and Health, Vol. 11 No. 1, 2000,
pp. 47-66. # MCB University Press,
0956-6163
EMH
11,1
48
1992 to 1998, however, has seen significant increases in the amount of coloured
inks used in newspaper publishing. The environmental and health implications
of this change have not yet been addressed in the UK and it is important, if only
for reassurance, to consider any possible issues that may be raised. This paper
reports a recent scientific study of the heavy metal contents of UK newspapers
undertaken from 1992, 1996 and 1998 and examines the longitudinal trends in
these data, and the implications resulting from the increasing use of colour.
Heavy metal concentrations and possible sources
Previously published analyses of the heavy metals content of newspapers and
magazines are summarised in Table I. These data were measured variously
between 1977 and 1995 (see Table I footnote for reference list). Because of the
different sample bases, the data are not directly comparable, but nevertheless
provide indications of the most significant metal species present in the printed
papers. Lead and chromium levels above 20ppm have not been detected since
1992. This results from the now almost universal replacement of lead and
chromium pigments from news and magazine inks. Mercury and cadmium
levels have remained very low throughout, rarely exceeding 1ppm. Zinc
concentrations show much wider variations with no obvious trend or degree of
consistency between analyses. Copper concentrations also show significant
concentration ranges amongst the analyses, ranging from around 2ppm (for
black and white sections of newspaper) to over 140ppm (for ``blue'' printed
extracts). Whole newspapers, unsorted by colour, variously returned copper
concentrations between 14 and 50ppm.
New analyses were made by the authors during 1996. The analytical
methodology is detailed in the next section. Results are given in Table II. They
are reported on a dry weight basis. The analyses included two comparative
studies between printed newspapers and magazines and the papers upon
which they were printed, plus three stand-alone investigations for newspapers,
consumer periodicals and junk mail respectively. The results were broadly
consistent with the previously reported studies. Lead, mercury levels and
cadmium levels were below their detection limits (4ppm, 5ppm and 1ppm
respectively). Chromium concentrations were very low (< 3ppm) in both
newspapers and unprinted newsprint, though higher in the magazines and
junk mail (10-16ppm). Concentrations of all detectable metals, and notably
copper and zinc, varied widely amongst individual newspaper titles and even
more so amongst individual magazine titles, possibly because of the
variabilities in ink loadings, fillers and coatings. The comparisons between
printed titles and the unprinted paper showed significantly higher levels of
copper and slightly elevated levels of zinc in the printed material for both
magazines and newspapers. On average, only 9 per cent of the copper and 64
per cent of the zinc in the finished magazines was present in the unprinted
magazine paper, and, on average, only 6 per cent of the copper and 43 per cent
of the zinc in the finished newspapers was present in the unprinted newsprint.
Ref. Material
Fraction
Country
Year
1
2
3
Coloured
±
±
±
Colour headlines
Black and white
Glossy ad (mixed)
Glossy ad (blue)
Blue headlines
Black and white
Black pictures
Black and white
Mixed colours
Blue
Black and white
±
Primarily black
and white
Glued
Black and white
Colour
Glued
Not glued
± #1
± #2
± #3
± #4
±
US
Canada
Germany
1977
1982
1988
US
1989-91
US
US
1991
1992
Canada
1992?
UK
1992
4
Newspaper and mags
Newsprint
Newsprint
Magazines
Daily newspaper
5
Centre Daily Times
Centre Daily Times
Collegian
USA Today
6
7
Detroit News
Newspaper
8
Newsprint
Magazines
10
9
Newspaper
Magazines
Newspaper
Magazines
National newspapers
1993
Eire
Ag
Ba
Cd
Cr
333
0.05
0.18
94
0.1
0
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.0
0.2
0.1
0.3
0.4
0.4
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
0.68
9.3
18.4
23.2
24.2
36.9
3.79
2.3
0.15
0.38
1995
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.001
0.3
0.3
0.39
0.33
1.83
ND
1.3
3.8
215
16.6
5.8
25.6
30.3
4.12
21.5
1.35
Concentrations (ppm)
Cu
Hg
Mn
20
14
15
37
101
2
114
141
101
2
3
2
53
132
2
54
17.2
10
13
36
26
37
17.25
55.8
17.7
56.7
1.954
7.8
Ni
Pb
Sn
Zn
3.0
514
0.65
240
100
37
24
69
1
0
14
14
1
0
3
8
9
12
19
183
0.015
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
5
7
1
1
2
1
1
2
1.5
4
4
10
10
4
4
5
4
3
2
3
33.6
ND
0.3
2.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.03
0.02
0.05
0.06
ND
2.1
19.5
45.0
81.9
50.9
50.9
40.9
37.2
55.5
35.3
4.3
6.2
106
17.6
8.2
10.9
22.6
2.13
11.5
1.35
2.4
7.2
5.7
0.4
5.9
89.4
15.6
7.88
11.7
0.48
18
24
25
36
31
8
19
29
36
18
23.1
74.4
18.2
66.0
11.9
Notes: ND = Not detected; # ``as received'' moisture contents = 25.67 per cent (1), 12.76 per cent (2), 25.46 per cent (3), 9.93 per cent (4);
other results refer to dry weight or moisture content not stated
References: 1. Heffron et al. (1977); 2. Grieve et al. (1982); 3. Grunewald et al. (1988); 4. Comerford and Spencer (1993); 5. Temple (1990);
6. Fitzgerald (1992); 7. Comerford (1992); 8. Cited in EPA (1995); 9. O'Connell and Meaney (1997); 10. DoE (1995)
Heavy metal
content of
newspapers
49
Table I.
Published metal
contents of
newspapers and
magazines
(1977-1995)
Fraction
Country
Year
Ag
Ba
Cd
Cr
Unprinted newsprint
(5 samples)
±
Various
1996
http://www.mcbup.com/research_registers/emh.asp
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
http://www.emerald-library.com
Heavy metal content of
newspapers: longitudinal
trends
P. Tucker, P. Douglas, A. Durrant and A.S. Hursthouse
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,
University of Paisley, Paisley, Scotland, UK
Heavy metal
content of
newspapers
47
Received September
1998
Revised January 1999
Keywords Newspaper, Heavy metals, Copper, Ink, Colour
Abstract Examines whether there are any environmental or health implications associated with
the increased use of colour in newspapers, if the newspapers are reused or recycled. New heavy
metal analyses of UK daily newspapers from 1992, 1996 and 1998 are reported. Lead, mercury
and cadmium were found to be below their measurement detection limits (4ppm, 5ppm and 1ppm
respectively) in nearly all samples. Barium and total chromium levels were highest in supplements
printed on ``glossy'' paper. Copper was present at levels around 20-30ppm in the standard
newsprint sections and at levels of 80ppm or more in the supplements. Copper concentrations
increased by 33-40 per cent between 1992 and 1998 which correlated well with the increased
colour content. A scientific appraisal and review showed that the heavy metal contents of
newspapers are highly unlikely to pose any environmental risk or to have any health implications.
Introduction
Old newspapers are a major target of strategies for recycling or reusing greater
percentages of the domestic waste stream. Its uses in applications such as
animal bedding and home composting are being explored increasingly, and
increased recovery for recycling into new paper is being advocated. Recycling
printed paper, however, generates a de-inking sludge as a waste or by-product.
One of the options for disposal of the by-product is through land-spreading. In
considering all these applications, it is important to ascertain whether there are
any potential health or environmental implications associated with returning
old newspapers (or their residues) back into the environment. In the past,
concern was expressed about the levels of heavy metals in printers' inks,
though nowadays both industry and environmental organisations agree that
these may no longer be a problem (e.g. Caractere, 1991; Endriss, 1993; Grund,
1994; Friends of the Earth, 1997).
There are, however, relatively few published scientific analyses of the heavy
metal contents of actual newspaper which can be cited to fully substantiate
these claims. Major analyses of the newspaper components of the domestic
waste stream were undertaken in the UK in 1992 and 1993, though as far as the
authors are aware, these have not been repeated in the UK since. The period
The research forms part of the Newspaper Industry Environmental Technology Initiative being
undertaken at the University of Paisley. The Newspaper Industry Environmental Technology
Initiative is jointly funded by Bridgewater Paper Co. Ltd., Daishowa Forest Products Ltd.,
Donohue Inc., Enso Publication Papers, Holmen Paper AB., Manders Oil Inks Ltd., Norske Skog,
Stora, Sun Chemical Inks and UPM-Kymmene.
Environmental Management
and Health, Vol. 11 No. 1, 2000,
pp. 47-66. # MCB University Press,
0956-6163
EMH
11,1
48
1992 to 1998, however, has seen significant increases in the amount of coloured
inks used in newspaper publishing. The environmental and health implications
of this change have not yet been addressed in the UK and it is important, if only
for reassurance, to consider any possible issues that may be raised. This paper
reports a recent scientific study of the heavy metal contents of UK newspapers
undertaken from 1992, 1996 and 1998 and examines the longitudinal trends in
these data, and the implications resulting from the increasing use of colour.
Heavy metal concentrations and possible sources
Previously published analyses of the heavy metals content of newspapers and
magazines are summarised in Table I. These data were measured variously
between 1977 and 1995 (see Table I footnote for reference list). Because of the
different sample bases, the data are not directly comparable, but nevertheless
provide indications of the most significant metal species present in the printed
papers. Lead and chromium levels above 20ppm have not been detected since
1992. This results from the now almost universal replacement of lead and
chromium pigments from news and magazine inks. Mercury and cadmium
levels have remained very low throughout, rarely exceeding 1ppm. Zinc
concentrations show much wider variations with no obvious trend or degree of
consistency between analyses. Copper concentrations also show significant
concentration ranges amongst the analyses, ranging from around 2ppm (for
black and white sections of newspaper) to over 140ppm (for ``blue'' printed
extracts). Whole newspapers, unsorted by colour, variously returned copper
concentrations between 14 and 50ppm.
New analyses were made by the authors during 1996. The analytical
methodology is detailed in the next section. Results are given in Table II. They
are reported on a dry weight basis. The analyses included two comparative
studies between printed newspapers and magazines and the papers upon
which they were printed, plus three stand-alone investigations for newspapers,
consumer periodicals and junk mail respectively. The results were broadly
consistent with the previously reported studies. Lead, mercury levels and
cadmium levels were below their detection limits (4ppm, 5ppm and 1ppm
respectively). Chromium concentrations were very low (< 3ppm) in both
newspapers and unprinted newsprint, though higher in the magazines and
junk mail (10-16ppm). Concentrations of all detectable metals, and notably
copper and zinc, varied widely amongst individual newspaper titles and even
more so amongst individual magazine titles, possibly because of the
variabilities in ink loadings, fillers and coatings. The comparisons between
printed titles and the unprinted paper showed significantly higher levels of
copper and slightly elevated levels of zinc in the printed material for both
magazines and newspapers. On average, only 9 per cent of the copper and 64
per cent of the zinc in the finished magazines was present in the unprinted
magazine paper, and, on average, only 6 per cent of the copper and 43 per cent
of the zinc in the finished newspapers was present in the unprinted newsprint.
Ref. Material
Fraction
Country
Year
1
2
3
Coloured
±
±
±
Colour headlines
Black and white
Glossy ad (mixed)
Glossy ad (blue)
Blue headlines
Black and white
Black pictures
Black and white
Mixed colours
Blue
Black and white
±
Primarily black
and white
Glued
Black and white
Colour
Glued
Not glued
± #1
± #2
± #3
± #4
±
US
Canada
Germany
1977
1982
1988
US
1989-91
US
US
1991
1992
Canada
1992?
UK
1992
4
Newspaper and mags
Newsprint
Newsprint
Magazines
Daily newspaper
5
Centre Daily Times
Centre Daily Times
Collegian
USA Today
6
7
Detroit News
Newspaper
8
Newsprint
Magazines
10
9
Newspaper
Magazines
Newspaper
Magazines
National newspapers
1993
Eire
Ag
Ba
Cd
Cr
333
0.05
0.18
94
0.1
0
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.0
0.2
0.1
0.3
0.4
0.4
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
0.68
9.3
18.4
23.2
24.2
36.9
3.79
2.3
0.15
0.38
1995
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.001
0.3
0.3
0.39
0.33
1.83
ND
1.3
3.8
215
16.6
5.8
25.6
30.3
4.12
21.5
1.35
Concentrations (ppm)
Cu
Hg
Mn
20
14
15
37
101
2
114
141
101
2
3
2
53
132
2
54
17.2
10
13
36
26
37
17.25
55.8
17.7
56.7
1.954
7.8
Ni
Pb
Sn
Zn
3.0
514
0.65
240
100
37
24
69
1
0
14
14
1
0
3
8
9
12
19
183
0.015
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
5
7
1
1
2
1
1
2
1.5
4
4
10
10
4
4
5
4
3
2
3
33.6
ND
0.3
2.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.03
0.02
0.05
0.06
ND
2.1
19.5
45.0
81.9
50.9
50.9
40.9
37.2
55.5
35.3
4.3
6.2
106
17.6
8.2
10.9
22.6
2.13
11.5
1.35
2.4
7.2
5.7
0.4
5.9
89.4
15.6
7.88
11.7
0.48
18
24
25
36
31
8
19
29
36
18
23.1
74.4
18.2
66.0
11.9
Notes: ND = Not detected; # ``as received'' moisture contents = 25.67 per cent (1), 12.76 per cent (2), 25.46 per cent (3), 9.93 per cent (4);
other results refer to dry weight or moisture content not stated
References: 1. Heffron et al. (1977); 2. Grieve et al. (1982); 3. Grunewald et al. (1988); 4. Comerford and Spencer (1993); 5. Temple (1990);
6. Fitzgerald (1992); 7. Comerford (1992); 8. Cited in EPA (1995); 9. O'Connell and Meaney (1997); 10. DoE (1995)
Heavy metal
content of
newspapers
49
Table I.
Published metal
contents of
newspapers and
magazines
(1977-1995)
Fraction
Country
Year
Ag
Ba
Cd
Cr
Unprinted newsprint
(5 samples)
±
Various
1996