https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-12/sfra-3pm120820.php

News Release 15-Dec-2020
3D printers may be toxic for humans

Society for Risk Analysis

Risk researchers are asking new questions about the health and safety implications and how to mitigate any potential health risks to users of 3D printers and consumers of products manufactured with this emerging technology, especially children. Such printing is increasingly being used in homes, schools, libraries and other spaces where people commonly spend a lot of time. The particles released during the printing process, which are small enough to infiltrate deep into the lungs, can affect indoor air quality and public health. The wide use of 3D printers to manufacture face shields, respirators and other personal protective equipment for COVID-19 has created a new urgency on these questions.


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The base materials used in 3D printers include thermoplastics, metals, nanomaterials, polymers and volatile and semi volatile organic chemicals. The printing process may take several hours, and during this time a range of chemical by-products and particulates may be released into indoor environments.

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A study conducted by Yong Qian, Ph.D., National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), evaluated the potential toxicity of ABS emissions generated during 3D printing by examining human lung cells and rats exposed via inhalation. The study, "Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) printer emission induced in vitro and in vivo toxicity," revealed that the emitted particles cause moderate toxicity in human lung cells and minimal toxicity in rats.

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While 3D printing makes numerous products more readily available, and at cheaper costs, they do contribute to the mass of plastic products polluting the planet.

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