PFAS Found In Commercial Printing Inks And Press Washes

Water Contamination Lawsuit News

New testing suggests PFAS chemicals in printing inks and press washes may enter wastewater, raising concerns for workers, utilities, and nearby communities

Monday, December 15, 2025 - Commercial printing shops produce everything from packaging and labels to books, flyers, and magazines, yet few people consider what happens to the chemicals used to keep presses running smoothly. Recent environmental testing has found that some printing inks and press wash solutions contain PFAS compounds added to improve flow, reduce smearing, and help inks resist moisture. During daily operations, excess ink, cleaning fluids, and rinse water are washed from rollers and plates and sent down floor drains. For communities already researching a PFAS cancer lawsuit or considering whether to contact a PFAS cancer attorney, the idea that local print facilities could contribute to water contamination has come as an unwelcome surprise. Many printers use press washes several times per shift, especially during color changes, creating a steady stream of chemical-laden wastewater. Because PFAS do not break down easily, even small releases can accumulate in sewer systems over time. Workers may assume these liquids are harmless cleaning agents, yet the persistence of PFAS means they can move from shop drains into municipal treatment systems and, in some cases, into groundwater. As awareness spreads, environmental groups are beginning to ask whether printing operations represent another overlooked source of long-term PFAS exposure.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS are highly resistant to heat, solvents, and conventional wastewater treatment, allowing them to persist as they move through industrial discharge systems. Sampling conducted at facilities that handle inks, coatings, and cleaning solutions has identified PFAS in wastewater streams associated with equipment washdown. The EPA has warned that once these compounds enter sewer networks, they often pass through treatment plants unchanged because existing infrastructure was not designed to capture synthetic fluorinated chemicals. In printing shops, press washes are frequently reused or diluted before disposal, which can spread PFAS throughout multiple rinse cycles. Wastewater from these facilities often mixes with residential and commercial flows, making it difficult for utilities to trace contamination back to a single source. Environmental regulators are now paying closer attention to industries that rely on specialty chemicals, including printing, because cumulative discharges from many small operations can add up quickly. Researchers have also found that sludge produced during wastewater treatment can retain PFAS, creating secondary risks if that material is later applied to land. These findings have prompted calls for improved tracking of chemical inputs used in print production and better guidance for facilities that manage ink and solvent waste.

The printing industry may face increasing pressure to review the chemical makeup of inks and cleaning products. Some suppliers are already developing PFAS-free alternatives designed to perform well without long-lasting environmental effects. Printers may need to request clearer ingredient disclosures so they can make informed purchasing decisions and avoid products containing fluorinated additives. Local governments could encourage safer practices by offering technical assistance or incentives for shops that switch to less persistent chemicals. In areas with vulnerable groundwater supplies, regulators may require pretreatment systems that filter wastewater before it enters public sewers.

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