Graffiti is a form of vandalism that damages property, causes public safety issues and can result in liability. It negatively impacts local neighbourhoods by making public spaces appear unsafe. More often than not, graffiti is also used as a means to mark territories.

Commonly used graffiti materials – such as aerosol sprays – can damage the environment. They can emit 'volatile organic compounds' (VOCs), which are known to the Environmental Protection Agency as organic pollutants that can contribute to ozone levels.

graffiti, form of visual communication, usually illegal, involving the unauthorized marking of public space by an individual or group. Although the common image of graffiti is a stylistic symbol or phrase spray-painted on a wall by a member of a street gang, some graffiti is not gang-related.

But is there a difference between graffiti and art? Well, graffiti isn't a traditionally accepted art form, it's rather new and challenges the conventions of the time. Many different movements now accepted were considered scandalous and vandalism when they first emerged.