Evaluating the impacts of printing operations on indoor air quality in a printing press

Abstract

Purpose

Building operations and human activities indoors continuously affect air quality, contaminating the air and sometimes exceeding permissible limits which can be health threatening either in the short or long time. This implies a need for strict awareness and compliance with air quality standards, particularly in workplaces prone to air contaminants emissions. This study aims to evaluate printing-related pollutant concentrations and their effects on indoor air quality (IAQ). The study investigated a printing press's total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used mainly an experimental research design supported by physical assessment by identifying the major printing-related pollutants, assessing the existing situation and measuring pollutant concentration levels using literature reviews, walkthrough inspections and experiments, respectively. The measurements were conducted in two scenarios: with and without printing activities, and the results were compared with relevant standards and guidelines.

Findings

The outcomes indicate that TVOC concentration reaches 120 ppb during printing and binding activities, exceeding the 75 ppb acceptable limit based on the time-weighted average. The PM2.5 concentrations reach 49 µg/m³ and PM10 up to 150 µg/m³, exceeding acceptable levels given by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are 35 µg/m³ and 150 µg/m³ for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. These high concentrations of TVOC and PM indicate a significant risk to the health of building occupants, particularly those with respiratory conditions. PM concentrations do not exceed permissible levels when no printing or bookbinding occurs, suggesting that printing-related activities can contribute to elevated TVOC and PM concentrations.

Social implications

The social implication of the study lies in its ability to promote awareness among workers and improve their well-being which in turn relates to productivity. The study outcome could also encourage businesses to adopt more responsible environmental and social practices as part of corporate social responsibility practices.

Originality/value

The study's findings, which highlight the need for improved ventilation in printing halls, have the potential to significantly benefit building system designers, facility managers, policymakers and decision-makers. By providing information and theoretical support, the research can help integrate policies that regulate IAQ by reducing pollutant concentrations. This protects workers' health and helps update and enforce stricter IAQ regulations for industrial operations.

Citation

Haruna, U., Mohammed, M.A. and Ajibade, Y.A. (2024), "Evaluating the impacts of printing operations on indoor air quality in a printing press", Facilities, Vol. 42 No. 13/14, pp. 989-1014. https://doi.org/10.1108/F-03-2024-0043