Top 5 Things You Should Know About Chemicals Used in Screen Printing
There are various screen printing inks available for use. While these wonderful inks produce vivid color and may be easy to use; the chemicals contained in each ink type can pose potential health and environmental issues. Knowing about the inks you are using is the first step to keeping yourself and the environment safe.
Chemicals Used in Screen Printing
UV Inks are the most dangerous inks you can use. UV inks contain carcinogenic photoinitiatiors which are hazardous to your health. UV inks contain some solvents as well, wearing a respirator mask while using UV ink is recommended. Limiting exposure to UV rays during the drying process is also helpful.
Solvent-Based Inks dry as the solvents evaporate from the ink itself. These solvents are highly flammable and volatile. A respirator is needed when working with solvent-based inks.
Plastisol Inks use a liquid form of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Plastisol ink also contains dioxins and other toxic compounds. The plasticizers which makes the ink flexible are carcinogenic (cancer causing) and can linger after the item is purchased or warn. This type of ink is hazardous to one's health and the environment.
Top 5 Things You Should Know About Chemicals Used in Screen Printing
1. They can pollute the air in your working environment. Make sure your work area is well ventilated.
2. Coming in contact with some of these chemicals can be hazardous to your heath. Wear gloves when handling screen printing products.
3. Screen printing chemicals can be an environmental hazard. Dispose of inks and other products properly.
4. Certain screen printing chemicals are flammable and volatile. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand and never smoke around these chemicals.
5. Screen printing solvents can damage your lungs. Wear a respirator to protect your health.