Emissions and health risks from the use of 3D printers in an occupational setting

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from 3D printers using polylactic acid (PLA) filaments at a university workroom to assess exposure and health risks in an occupational setting. Under typical-case (one printer) and worst-case (three printers operating simultaneously) scenarios, particulate concentration (total and respirable), VOCs and formaldehyde were measured. Air samples were collected in the printing room and adjacent hallway. Size-resolved levels of nano-diameter particles were also collected in the printing room. Total particulate levels were higher in the worst-case scenario (0.7 mg/m 3 ) vs. typical-case scenario (0.3 mg/m 3 ). Respirable particulate and formaldehyde concentrations were similar between the two scenarios. Size-resolved measurements showed that most particles ranged from approximately 27 to 116 nm. Total VOC levels were approximately 6-fold higher during the worst-case scenario vs. typical situation with isopropyl alcohol being the predominant VOC. Airborne concentrations in the hallway were generally lower than inside the printing room. All measurements were below their respective occupational exposure limits. In summary, emissions of particulates and VOCs increased when multiple 3D printers were operating simultaneously. Airborne levels in the adjacent hallway were similar between the two scenarios. Overall, data suggest a low risk of significant and persistent adverse health effects. Nevertheless, the health effects attributed to 3D printing are not fully known and adherence to good hygiene principles is recommended during use of this technology.

Exploring Methods for Surveillance of Occupational Exposure from Additive Manufacturing in Four Different Industrial Facilities

“…One exception is the results from PBF, but this result reflects the use of cleaning agents during printer maintenance and not post-processing. TVOC results during ME printing were slightly lower but in the same region as emission results from university laboratory and small office ( Steinle, 2016 ; Chan et al , 2020 ). Contrastingly, Zisook et al ., using photoionization detector, did not find TVOC distinguishable from background for the four printing methods.…”

Toxicity risks of occupational exposure in 3D printing and bioprinting industries: A systematic review

“…Eleven articles set out in Table 1 show that VOCs are most released in the FDM process. Kim et al (2020) and Chan et al (2020) have reported that VOCs are generally emitted during 3D printing processes, but the concentration of VOC's and respirable particulates was less than the occupational exposure limit.…”

“…Some studies focused on potential exposure to UFPs in 3D printing. According to Table 1, some studies reported that VOCs can be released in nanoscale (Chan et al, 2020;Zontek et al, 2017). Six studies set out in Table 2 were only focused on metal UFPs.…”

State of the art in additive manufacturing and its possible chemical and particle hazards—review

“…However so far, the occupational exposure levels for both particles and chemical emissions from 3D printers have not yet been established. Only few examples related to the assessment of workers’ exposure to the potential components of hazardous chemicals or particle emissions were found during this literature review, which can be exemplified by, for example, Gümperlein et al, 162 Floyd et al, 106 Lewiński et al, 163 Graff et al, 134 Chan et al 164 and Chen et al 120 …”