Emissions from 3D Printers as Occupational Environmental Pollutants

Abstract

While many people work remotely during the pandemic, three-dimensional (3D) printers are working to ensure the medical personnel and general public with the necessary specific materials. Ease of use, low cost, fast prototyping, and a wide range of materials are the advantages of 3D technology that can quickly adapt to specific needs in different application areas and result in increased popularity. The aim was to analyse the concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted in 3D printing zone where printers are located throughout the room around the perimeter and where orthopaedics and designers develop models during their full shift. The average ultrafine particles (UFP) concentration level fluctuates from 4×103 to 26×103 particles/cm3 that exceed the background level (<3×103 particles/cm3) during 8 h-shift. Microclimate was evaluated as unsatisfied regarding permissible values for air quality at workplaces: air temperature exceeds permissible upper level +25 °C, relative humidity was 21.5 % and air velocity ≤0.05 m/s. The highest particles’ number concentrations in the nano-scale range (<0.1 μm) and significantly higher mass concentrations in the coarse particle range (>2.5 μm) were detected. The median diameters of particle number (0.019, 0.014, 0.015 μm) and mass concentrations (4.394, 4.433, and 4.677 μm) were similar in all observed premises. Total VOC concentration was increased and specific substances such as toluene and formaldehyde (0.56±0.1 and 0.23±0.034 mg/m3) were found at high concentration in comparison with indoor air quality recommendations.

Assessment of Occupational Exposures in the 3D Printing: Current Status and Future Prospects

“…And Dekati® ELPI® + measures during 3D printing show occupational exposure from 4x10 3 to 26x10 3 particles/cm 3 during 8-h shift. Furthermore, in all tested premises, the median diameter for particle number were detected: 0.014, 0.015, and 0.019 μm, but for mass concentrations: 4.394, 4.433, and 4.677 μm [46].…”

“…VOCs and UFPs both have the potential adverse effect on human health through inhalation and skin contact, causing irritation, inflammation, lung disease, and various skin problems. It can also affect the central nervous system [36,38,46]. In addition, UFPs can pose health risks in a delayed manner even 1-5 days because of UFPs airborne exposure lag time.…”

“…Thus, in 3D printing offices, total VOC concentration was found at high concentration in comparison with indoor air quality recommendations, in general. In addition, there were estimated specific substances, such as toluene and formaldehyde, with concentrations 0.56 ± 0.1 and 0.23 ± 0.034 mg/m 3 , respectively [46].…”

Risk assessment and toxicity effects of materials used during additive manufacturing with FDM technology

“…Pavlovska i wsp. [10], którzy podczas 8-godzinnej zmiany ortopedów i projektantów opracowujących modele zmierzyli w strefie drukowania większej liczby drukarek 3D średnie stężenie cząstek ultradrobnych w zakresie od 4 × 10 3 do 26 × 10 3 cząstek/cm 3 .…”

Multiple Path Particle Dosimetry Model Concept and Its Application to Determine Respiratory Tract Hazards in the 3d Printing

“…Nevertheless, using 3D printers has also raised concerns about the potential respiratory health hazards of releasing airborne particles during printing. Multiple studies revealed the increased concentration of different diameter PM and volatile organic compounds in the air samples taken during the printing [11] - [13].…”