In answer to my own question I found this in the Guardian online (I wonder if the following applies to newspapers in general as my wife subscribes to "Le Monde Diplomatique" and I to the "Times Literary Supplement" - pretentious, moi!!!)
Anton
"The big worry I have about newspaper is what is contained in the paper and ink. Anyone at the Guardian know what is contained in newsprint ink?
Posted by fmgazette on April 9, 2007 9:39 PM.
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I asked Jenny Hanock in our production department about this and here's what she says, "The ink we use is primarily mineral based with approx 15% Soya added. The mineral base is 'clean' oil in that it does not contain any compounds that are harmful. The percentage of Soya is governed by how much can be added without the ink becoming unstable, by that I mean its ability to reject water, a key part of the printing process. Some manufacturers claim to produce 100% Soya based ink, however this is not suitable for newspaper printing using the lithographic process.
The newsprints we use do not pose any danger or harm to people or the environment. Most of the process chemicals used are removed or diluted during the paper making process; therefore there are no significant amounts in the final product. After use, the products can be recycled as raw material for new paper products or they can be composted safely."
Hope this eases your concerns. Seems you are safe to use your old Guardians and Observers for making paper pots, compost, mulch and the like.
Posted by IanTucker on April 11, 2007 2:18 PM.
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