Assessing residential indoor and outdoor bioaerosol characteristics using the ultraviolet light-induced fluorescence-based wideband integrated bioaerosol sensor

Addor, Yao S; Baumgardner, Darrel; Hughes, Dagen D.; Newman, Nicholas; Jandarov, Roman; Reponen, Tiina

doi:10.1039/d2em00177b

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 78 publications

(144 reference statements)

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“…Particle emissions from PLA filaments and glue control run (PLA_Con_G) were recorded and characterized in real time by the WIBS. The WIBS has been deployed in a range of different outdoor and indoor campaigns [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ], and interestingly has been utilized to understand emissions in medical environments, highlighting that human activities and tasks can significantly influence the air quality in indoor spaces [ 36 , 37 ] and that mitigation processes could be of use. This study represents the first use of the WIBS in monitoring particulate emissions released during 3D printing.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of Volatile and Particulate Emissions from Desktop 3D Printers

Finnegan,

Thach,

Khaki

et al. 2023

Sensors

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The rapid expansion of 3D printing technologies has led to increased utilization in various industries and has also become pervasive in the home environment. Although the benefits are well acknowledged, concerns have arisen regarding potential health and safety hazards associated with emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulates during the 3D printing process. The home environment is particularly hazardous given the lack of health and safety awareness of the typical home user. This study aims to assess the safety aspects of 3D printing of PLA and ABS filaments by investigating emissions of VOCs and particulates, characterizing their chemical and physical profiles, and evaluating potential health risks. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was employed to profile VOC emissions, while a particle analyzer (WIBS) was used to quantify and characterize particulate emissions. Our research highlights that 3D printing processes release a wide range of VOCs, including straight and branched alkanes, benzenes, and aldehydes. Emission profiles depend on filament type but also, importantly, the brand of filament. The size, shape, and fluorescent characteristics of particle emissions were characterized for PLA-based printing emissions and found to vary depending on the filament employed. This is the first 3D printing study employing WIBS for particulate characterization, and distinct sizes and shape profiles that differ from other ambient WIBS studies were observed. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing safety measures in all 3D printing environments, including the home, such as improved ventilation, thermoplastic material, and brand selection. Additionally, our research highlights the need for further regulatory guidelines to ensure the safe use of 3D printing technologies, particularly in the home setting.

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