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What Are the Dangers of Magazine Ink?

Commercial inks can contain toxins, including lead, and they are often petroleum based. Magazine ink is no exception. Children are highly susceptible to some of the ingredients used in magazine ink. Some people claim to have sensitivities to the toxins in petroleum-based inks. Composting and recycling of magazines can be quite hazardous to the environment. Some magazines use non-toxic soy-based inks as a safer alternative.

  1. Toxins in Ink

    • Ink is made up of many chemicals

      Ink is made up of many chemicals. Some of the toxins in ink include lead, petroleum and p-Anisidine. P-Anisidine is used to give inks their glossiness. According to WrongDiagnosis.com, it damages the blood if ingested, inhaled or touched. The EPA cites petroleum as being hazardous to just about every living creature. Lead, even in small amounts, can be quite dangerous, especially if ingested by children. According to Health.NSW.gov.au, lead can cause learning and behavior problems. It may also influence growth and can adversely affect fetal development.

    Toxic Ink in Children's Magazines

    • Children are at risk from the toxins in printed cartoons and magazines.

      According to a 1975 article in Environmental Science and Technology, many comics and magazines for children contain lead in the ink. Children under five are especially at risk, as they are more likely to put their hands in their mouths after touching the contaminant. Some children eat or chew paper, and this may heighten their risk of contamination.

    Sensitivities

    • Sensitivities may include rashes, watery eyes, headaches and sneezing

      According to the Feingold Association, some adults and children report sensitivities to petroleum-based inks used in the production of magazines. Other toxins such as p-Anisidine can cause sensitivities too. Perfumed publications can cause intolerance in some people. Intolerance can include rashes, watery eyes, headaches and sneezing. These sensitivities can be quite debilitating to some people.

    Environmental Damage

    • The toxins in magazine ink can pollute waterways.

      Composting and recycling of magazines containing heavy metals and petroleum can pose a threat to the environment, as these toxins do not break down in the soil and can pollute waterways. This can be hazardous to plants, animals and even children who live near infected soil or water. The cleanup of these toxins can be very costly.

    Soy-based Inks are a Non-Toxic Alternative

    • Many magazines are opting for soy-based inks. Soy-based inks break down in the soil and waterways and are unlikely to cause intolerance. Unfortunately these inks are not as vibrant and glossy as the more toxic versions. If you are concerned about the ink used in your favorite magazines, contact the publisher to ensure that soy-based inks are used in the production process.

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