Health survey of employees regularly using 3D printers

Chan, Felix L; House, Ron; Kudla, Irena; Lipszyc, Joshua C.; Rajaram, Nikhil; Tarlo, Susan M.

doi:10.1093/occmed/kqy042

Cited by 65 publications

(53 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Ultrafine particles can penetrate deeper into the respiratory system and might be harder to clear from the body 19 . In a study with employees regularly using 3D printers 59% have reported respiratory symptoms 20 4 , 10 , 13 . Furthermore, new filaments, which are provided with additives such as metal or wood, are constantly being launched to the market.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

3D Printing - Evaluating Particle Emissions of a 3D Printing Pen

Sigloch

Bierkandt

Singh

et al. 2020

JoVE

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Three-dimensional (3D) printing as a type of additive manufacturing shows continuing increase in application and consumer popularity. The fused filament fabrication (FFF) is an inexpensive method used most frequently by consumers. Studies with 3D printers have shown that during the printing process particulate and volatile substances are released. Handheld 3D printing pens also use the FFF method but the consumer's proximity to the 3D pens gives reason to higher exposure compared to a 3D printer. At the same time, 3D printing pens are often marketed for children who could be more sensitive to the printing emission. The aim of this study was to implement a low cost method to analyze the emissions of 3D printing pens. Polylactide (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filaments of different colors were tested. In addition, filaments containing metal and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were analyzed. An 18.5 L chamber and sampling close to the emission source was used to characterize emissions and concentrations near the breathing zone of the user. Particle emissions and particle size distributions were measured and the potential release of metal particles and CNTs investigated. Particle number concentrations were found in a range of 10 5-10 6 particles/cm 3 , which is comparable to previous reports from 3D printers. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed nanoparticles of the different thermoplastic materials as well as of metal particles and CNTs. High contents of metal were observed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These results call for a cautious use of 3D pens due to potential risk to the consumers.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

3D Printing - Evaluating Particle Emissions of a 3D Printing Pen

Sigloch

Bierkandt

Singh

et al. 2020

JoVE

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show abstract

“…Along with increased use of 3D printing, environmental issues related to 3D printing should be scrutinized. Ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds emitted during the 3D printing process may cause occupational health issues, such as an increased risk of respiratory disease and cancer (58)(59)(60). Another environmental issue stems from the fact that 3D printing materials cannot be recycled in most cases (22,58).…”

Section: Unresolved Issuesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advanced Medical Use of Three-Dimensional Imaging in Congenital Heart Disease: Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, Virtual Reality, and Three-Dimensional Printing

2020

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Recently improved three-dimensional (3D) cardiac imaging technologies are triggering the medical use of advanced visualization techniques including augmented reality, mixed reality, virtual reality, and 3D printing. The driving factor is the vast number of 3D cardiac images, acquired from patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), serving as a source of data for these new visualization techniques. Non-invasive visualization of accurate patient-specific cardiovascular anatomy is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of CHD, not only for accessing morphological complexity but also due to the difficulty deciding among the available treatment

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“…Chan et al [101] conducted a small-scale survey of 46 occupational users of FFF 3D printers in 17 different companies, in order to identify potential correlations between 3D printing and the emergence of adverse health effects. 59% of participants reported displaying respiratory symptoms at least once per week in the previous year.…”

Section: Health Issues Connected With Fff 3d Printer Usementioning

confidence: 99%

“…It should be mentioned that more than half of the participants (52%) reported not using any form of personal protective equipment (PPE). The authors suggested that further studies should be undertaken to provide further understanding on the risks presented for workers [101]. Gümperlein et al [102] investigated the acute effects of desktop 3D printer emissions on 26 human volunteers.…”

Section: Health Issues Connected With Fff 3d Printer Usementioning

confidence: 99%

3D-Printed Lab-on-a-Chip Diagnostic Systems-Developing a Safe-by-Design Manufacturing Approach

Karayannis¹,

Petrakli²,

Gkika³

et al. 2019

Micromachines

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The aim of this study is to provide a detailed strategy for Safe-by-Design (SbD) 3D-printed lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device manufacturing, using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology. First, the applicability of FFF in lab-on-a-chip device development is briefly discussed. Subsequently, a methodology to categorize, identify and implement SbD measures for FFF is suggested. Furthermore, the most crucial health risks involved in FFF processes are examined, placing the focus on the examination of ultrafine particle (UFP) and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emission hazards. Thus, a SbD scheme for lab-on-a-chip manufacturing is provided, while also taking into account process optimization for obtaining satisfactory printed LOC quality. This work can serve as a guideline for the effective application of FFF technology for lab-on-a-chip manufacturing through the safest applicable way, towards a continuous effort to support sustainable development of lab-on-a-chip devices through cost-effective means.

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Health survey of employees regularly using 3D printers

Abstract: Our finding of frequently reported respiratory symptoms suggests a need for additional studies on exposed workers in this field.

Cited by 65 publications

References 7 publications

3D Printing - Evaluating Particle Emissions of a 3D Printing Pen

3D Printing - Evaluating Particle Emissions of a 3D Printing Pen

Advanced Medical Use of Three-Dimensional Imaging in Congenital Heart Disease: Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, Virtual Reality, and Three-Dimensional Printing

3D-Printed Lab-on-a-Chip Diagnostic Systems-Developing a Safe-by-Design Manufacturing Approach

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