Around 1440 the first printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg, an invention that would change the world. Mechanized, mass production printing would become increasingly sophisticated and efficient. But now, it is hard to imagine something as commonplace and necessary as paper as representing a devastating environmental and health hazard.
Global Warming
Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of paper production. Carbon dioxide is also a greenhouse gas which contributes to global warming. According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), global warming is “very likely” caused largely by humans. They report a 90 percent likelihood. If this is true, there is no doubt that the mass production of paper is a contributor.
Methanol
Dioxin persists in the environment and can build up in bodily tissues, leading to cancer and liver dysfunction. Methanol may be released in the log-pulping process, and the substance is highly toxic to humans. High enough doses result in central nervous system damage and blindness, and long-term exposure causes liver damage. Evaporated methanol reacts in the air to form formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen, which also causes headaches and irritation of the eyes and throat.
Acid Rain
The manufacturing of paper produces nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide are primary agents in acid rain. Acid rain has been responsible for increasing the acidic levels of lakes and subsequently rivers. These rising acidic levels have negatively impacted the fish and associated wildlife populations due to toxic levels of acidity.
Sulfur Compounds
Volatile sulfur-based compounds are used at multiple stages in the paper manufacturing process, and while most of the sulfur is generally recovered, some is released as sulfur dioxide, a compound that contributes to acid rain. Other volatile sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulfide and methyl disulfide(C2H6S2, better known as dimethyl disulphide), pollute the air and give paper plants their characteristic “rotten egg” smell, making nearby areas unpleasant to live and work in.
Improvement
Paper bleached with hydrogen peroxide results in chlorine-free paper and a reduction of dioxins, thereby reducing the incidence of cancer and liver problems in surrounding areas. Recycling reduces the demand for virgin wood and thus reduces the need for toxic chemicals associated with pulping. New technologies are allowing for safer methods of pulping and for the production of nontoxic vegetable inks, reducing the risk of sickness from exposure to chemical toxins.
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