Harms and Disadvantages of Posters: Environmental, Health, and Quality
Brian Shen
Posters may be an easy way to decorate your space, but have you ever wondered about the hidden environmental and health costs behind them? From deforestation to toxic chemicals in printing, the impact of non-recycled posters and low-quality materials extends far beyond aesthetics. In this blog, we’ll uncover the environmental, health, and quality concerns associated with posters.
The purpose of our research is to provide you with the truth behind the art that is produced today. It is just as important to celebrate and protect quality art as it is to protect our health and ecosystem.
Table of Contents
- How Do Non-Recycled Posters Impact the Environment?
- What Is the Environmental Cost of Using Non-Eco-Friendly Inks in Posters?
- Why Are Large-Scale Poster Campaigns Sometimes Wasteful?
- Can Certain Poster Inks Contain Harmful Chemicals?
- Are There Risks to Using Non-VOC-Free Posters in Enclosed Spaces?
- What Are the Potential Allergies or Reactions to Low-Quality Poster Materials?
- How Can Cheap Paper Lead to Poster Deterioration?
- Why Do Some Posters Fade Quickly Under Sunlight?
- What Are the Risks of Using Low-Quality Ink for Image Quality?
- How Can Poorly Printed Posters Detract from the Visual Appeal of a Space?
- What Are the Downsides of Over-Saturating a Room with Posters?
- What Are Three Practical Solutions For Reducing Paper Waste?
- How Do Paw Prints Play Our Part?
How Do Non-Recycled Posters Impact the Environment?
Production of posters requires extensive deforestation and non-eco-friendly printing methods.
Resource extraction for paper results in habitat loss for plants and animals, and non-recycled paper contributes to landfills, which the EPA reports as the "third-largest source of methane emissions in the United States generated by human activity, accounting for approximately 14.4 percent of these emissions in 2022."
Additionally, pulp and paper production is a major industrial polluter, releasing toxic materials from chlorine-based bleaches. Recycling paper, by contrast, uses 70% less energy and water, saving 17 trees and 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space per ton.
What is Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)?
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a plastic commonly used for banners and long-term indoor or outdoor posters.
While durable, its high chlorine content and hazardous additives make it difficult to recycle, and most PVC products end up in landfills or incinerators, releasing harmful pollutants into the environment.
What Is the Environmental Cost of Using Non-Eco-Friendly Inks in Posters?
The environmental cost of using non-eco-friendly inks in posters includes significant CO₂ emissions (3.09 kg of CO₂ per kg of ink) and the release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which pollute air, water, and soil.
Additionally, less than 30% of ink cartridges are recycled globally, leading to increased waste.
Eco-friendly alternatives, such as soy or water-based inks, can reduce VOC emissions by up to 75% and lower carbon footprints by 25-30%.
Why Are Large-Scale Poster Campaigns Sometimes Wasteful?
Large-scale poster campaigns are often wasteful due to the significant amount of paper used, much of which ends up discarded shortly after its intended use.
Each year, over 1 billion trees' worth of paper is thrown away in the U.S. alone. The production of this paper requires vast amounts of resources, including water and energy, and contributes to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, up to 45% of printed materials are disposed of within a day of printing, leading to both economic loss and environmental harm. Without effective recycling and waste management, much of this paper ends up in landfills, where it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Can Certain Poster Inks Contain Harmful Chemicals?
Several poster inks contain harmful chemicals, primarily volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), which are linked to environmental damage and health risks.
Below is a list of harmful chemicals found in poster inks:
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Found in solvent-based inks used in flexographic, gravure, and screen printing.
- VOCs contribute to air pollution, ground-level ozone formation, and respiratory issues.
- Benzene
- Present in some inks and solvents.
- Classified as a human carcinogen and associated with blood disorders.
- Toluene
- Used in solvent-based inks.
- Known for causing nervous system issues and developmental effects.
- Xylene
- Often found in inks and cleaning solvents.
- Can cause respiratory issues, liver, and kidney damage.
- Acetaldehyde
- A probable human carcinogen found in adhesives and some inks.
- Linked to nasal and laryngeal tumors.
- Acrylonitrile
- Found in plastic materials and some inks.
- Classified as a probable carcinogen and linked to lung and brain cancer.
- Vinyl Chloride
- Used in producing plastics and resins for some inks.
- Known carcinogen linked to liver and lung cancer.
- MBOCA (4,4’-methylene bis(2-chloroaniline))
- Found in rubber and plastic manufacturing for some inks.
- Linked to bladder and liver cancer.
These chemicals can have long-term environmental and health impacts, including air and water pollution, and risks to workers exposed during production.
Are There Risks to Using Non-VOC-Free Posters in Enclosed Spaces?
Using non-VOC-free posters in enclosed spaces pose significant health risks due to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
VOCs, which are often found in solvent-based inks, are chemicals that can easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. In enclosed spaces with limited ventilation, exposure to VOCs can be particularly dangerous, as concentrations of these compounds can be 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. This exposure can lead to a range of health issues, including eye and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems. In some cases, prolonged exposure to VOCs can even increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as asthma and certain cancers.
A study done by EPA's Office of Research and Development showed that indoor VOC levels can spike to up to 1,000 times outdoor levels following activities like painting or the use of VOC-emitting products, which can include certain inks used in poster production.
People who spend long periods of time in spaces with non-VOC-free posters—especially sensitive populations like children, the elderly, or individuals with respiratory conditions—are at higher risk of experiencing adverse health effects.
Globally, millions of people are exposed to VOCs from a wide range of products, and poor indoor air quality affects large populations, particularly in homes, offices, and schools. The best way to mitigate these risks is by opting for VOC-free products and ensuring proper ventilation in enclosed spaces.
What Are the Potential Allergies or Reactions to Low-Quality Poster Materials?
Low-quality poster materials can cause allergic reactions, such as skin irritation, respiratory issues, or contact dermatitis, due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic inks, and certain adhesives.
The Envrionmental Protection Agency have claimed that certain inks, such as those containing benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde, have been linked to skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis. Exposure to these chemicals can occur via inhalation or skin contact, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
Posters using low-quality adhesives, particularly those containing latex or synthetic resins, can cause contact dermatitis. Latex, for example, is a known allergen, and frequent exposure can result in rashes or skin reactions in sensitive individuals.
How Can Cheap Paper Lead to Poster Deterioration?
One must use the best materials for printing posters in poster design. Cheap paper leads to poster deterioration due to its low grammage (gsm), susceptibility to environmental factors like humidity and UV exposure, and inadequate coatings such as low-quality matte or glossy finishes that fail to protect against fading, yellowing, and tearing.
Grammage (gsm)
Grammage, or grams per square meter (gsm), is a measurement of paper thickness or weight, with higher gsm indicating thicker and more durable paper.
Posters made from low-gsm paper (below 150gsm) are more prone to tearing and wear over time. Higher gsm paper provides durability and resistance to bending, whereas cheap, thin paper weakens faster and is more vulnerable to environmental factors such as humidity and UV exposure, which cause faster degradation.
Surface Finish (Matte vs. Glossy)
The main difference between matte and glossy paper is that matte has a non-reflective, smooth finish, while glossy paper has a shiny, reflective coating that enhances color vibrancy.
Low-quality matte or glossy coatings lack adequate UV protection, leading to fading and discoloration in environments with sunlight exposure. Additionally, these cheap coatings degrade more quickly in humid conditions, resulting in peeling, cracking, or warping of the poster surface over time.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to moisture, humidity, and temperature changes accelerates the deterioration of cheap paper, causing it to warp, yellow, or mold. Higher-quality paper, with better coatings and finishes, offers resistance to such environmental stress.
Why Do Some Posters Fade Quickly Under Sunlight?
Posters fade quickly under sunlight due to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation breaking down the chemical bonds in both the ink pigments and the paper, leading to discoloration and degradation.
When a poster is exposed to sunlight, UV radiation triggers a process called photodegradation, where the high-energy UV photons disrupt the molecular bonds in the ink pigments, causing the colors to fade. UV light particularly affects organic compounds in inks, leading to chemical reactions that degrade the pigments and cause oxidation. Similarly, paper fibers, especially in low-quality paper, can undergo photo-oxidation, which weakens the structure and results in yellowing or brittleness.
What Are the Risks of Using Low-Quality Ink for Image Quality?
Using low-quality ink for posters result in poor image quality, such as faded colors, uneven coverage, and smudging, which deteriorates the visual appeal over time.
Low-grade inks are prone to smudging and bleeding, especially in humid or wet conditions. They often lack proper binders, which help the ink adhere to the paper, causing images and text to blur or become distorted.
Inexpensive inks often deliver inconsistent or inaccurate colors, producing uneven saturation and poor color matching, resulting in dull and blurry prints. This can be especially detrimental to detailed posters that rely on crisp, sharp images
By using low quality ink, photodegradation and photo-oxidation occurs much faster.
How Can Poorly Printed Posters Detract from the Visual Appeal of a Space?
The primary purpose of purchasing wall decorations is to enhance and complement a space that the viewer has already designed with furniture and overall aesthetic. A poorly printed poster makes or breaks the visual appeal of your home.
Poorly printed posters can significantly detract from the visual appeal of a space by introducing flaws such as blurry and pixelated images. Low-resolution printing or inferior ink quality prevents images from being crisp and sharp, which undermines the poster's ability to act as a focal point or artistic enhancement in a room. Instead of adding to the decor, the poster becomes an eyesore that draws attention for the wrong reasons.
Additionally, inconsistent and faded colors are common issues with poorly printed posters. The colors may not match the vibrant tones expected, clashing with the room's overall aesthetic and making the poster appear outdated or poorly maintained. Faded hues can also reduce the emotional impact of the design, resulting in a less engaging visual experience.
When ink is distributed unevenly, certain areas of the poster may appear darker or lighter, creating an unbalanced look that disrupts the harmony of the space. Smudges and ink blots can make the poster look untidy and amateurish, reducing its appeal.
Finally, reflective glare from poor finishes can ruin the visibility of a poster under certain lighting conditions. Low-quality finishes, whether glossy or matte, can produce unwanted reflections that obscure the poster’s design, making it hard to appreciate from different angles in the room.This results in a decorative piece that doesn't serve its intended purpose of complementing the space.
What Are the Downsides of Over-Saturating a Room with Posters?
It is imperative to know the correct ways of decorating your home with posters. Over-saturating a room with posters can overwhelm the visual balance of the space, making it feel cluttered and chaotic. When too many posters compete for attention, it becomes difficult for individual pieces to stand out, which diminishes their overall impact.
Additionally, excessive wall decorations can clash with the room’s existing design elements, such as furniture, color schemes, and other décor, creating a disjointed aesthetic. This overcrowding can also make the space feel smaller and less cohesive, reducing its intended comfort or style.
Paw Prints’ recommendation is to keep the colors of your posters and furniture at 2-3 colors to create minimalistic harmony in your home. Too much of anything is not good, and too little of a good thing is always bad. Maintaining visual synergy in your home takes planning and careful selection, ensuring each piece adds to the overall aesthetic without overwhelming the space.
What Are Three Practical Solutions For Reducing Paper Waste?
Opt for Recycled or Sustainable Paper
Choose posters printed on recycled paper or sourced from sustainable forestry practices (FSC-certified). This reduces deforestation and paper waste. Additionally, support brands that actively recycle materials and use eco-friendly production methods.
Use Eco-Friendly Inks
Prevent harm to your health by selecting posters printed with non-toxic, eco-friendly inks, such as soy-based or water-based inks, which contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These inks reduce air pollution and lower the risk of indoor health issues like headaches or respiratory problems.
Invest in High-Quality Materials
To ensure posters maintain their durability and visual appeal, opt for posters printed on high GSM paper (above 150gsm) with quality finishes like UV-resistant coatings. These materials resist fading, tearing, and degradation, ensuring long-lasting artwork without frequent replacements.
How Do Paw Prints Play Our Part?
At Paw Prints, we are committed to sustainable practices that capitalizes on the benefits of owning posters for your home. We use FSC-certified paper, sourced from responsibly managed forests that protect biodiversity and prevent deforestation. Additionally, we only use environmentally friendly inks, reducing harmful chemicals and emissions. Our posters are printed on 170 GSM paper, ensuring they are both eco-friendly and built to last.
But Paw Prints’ vision goes beyond sustainability. We believe in supporting all members of our ecosystem, which is why we pledge to donate a portion of our profits to animal rescue charities—helping to protect the very creatures that inspire our art.
Join us in making a difference.
Choose art that supports animals and the planet.
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