3D Printing-Induced Fine Particle and Volatile Organic Compound Emission: An Emerging Health Risk

Abstract

3D printing, a technology that allows the layer-bylayer construction of complex 3D structures from a range of precursor materials, has shown promising applicability in construction and in the automotive, aerospace, defense, biomedicine, and consumer electronics industries. A key concern, however, is the health effects and safety problems due to its emission of fine particles (PM 2.5 , particles with aerodynamic diameters of <2.5 μm) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Understanding the characteristics and relevant toxicological effects of 3D printing-emitted PM 2.5 and VOCs is important for its health risk assessment and safe application. Here, we thoroughly review the emission levels of PM 2.5 and VOCs in workplaces, the simulation tests of laboratory environment, and the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of 3D printing-emitted PM 2.5 and VOCs. Meanwhile, standard protocols are recommended in the assessment of hazard risks of 3D printers to obtain better comparability of the results. Some safety guidance for 3D printer users is also provided. Finally, we point out the current research gaps and discuss the challenges encountered in this field. This review will be beneficial for the understanding of the health risks of emitted PM 2.5 and VOCs from 3D printing for the development of safer 3D printing technologies.

Strategies toward development of antimicrobial biomaterials for dental healthcare applications

“…• Can mitigate the problem of microbial resistance to some extent (X. Zhao, Yu, et al, 2020) • Needs to be used in combination with other bactericidal agents (Rehman & Leiknes, 2018) 3D printing • Development of customized products (S. Pillai et al, 2021) • Limited early stage translation (Della Bona et al, 2021) • Quick and reproducible (Schweiger et al, 2016) • Emission of fine particles (Min et al, 2021) • High precision and smooth surfaces (Quan et al, 2020;Wu et al, 2018) • Embryotoxicity exhibited by 3D printed parts in zebrafish (Oskui et al, 2016) Abbreviations: AgNP, silver nanoparticles; AMP, antimicrobial peptides; CAP, cold atmospheric plasma; CNT, carbon nanotube; FRDC, fiber reinforced dental composites; QAC, quaternary ammonium compound; QPEI, quaternary polyethyleneimine; ZnO, zinc oxide.…”

“…Wen, Xun, et al, 2017). A literature survey was ) and volatile organic compounds (Min et al, 2021) during 3D printing. Several studies have also reported the effect of these emissions on humans and animals (Gümperlein et al, 2018;House et al, 2017;Stefaniak et al, 2017).…”

“…The authors suggested that there is a need for further assessment of biocompatibility via in vivo tests before their application in dental reconstructions. Recently, environmental concerns have been raised due to emission of fine particles (PM 2.5 ) and volatile organic compounds (Min et al, 2021) during 3D printing. Several studies have also reported the effect of these emissions on humans and animals (Gümperlein et al, 2018; House et al, 2017; Stefaniak et al, 2017).…”

Emission Profiles of Volatiles during 3D Printing with ABS, ASA, Nylon, and PETG Polymer Filaments

“…Initially, researchers focused on assessing the former, establishing the real-time emission rates of particulates during 3D printing [1,2]. In recent years, however, there has been an increased interest in assessing the corresponding emission of volatiles [3,4] and its potential effects, including investigations of in vivo toxicity (to rats) [5].…”

Two-Dimensional MoS2 Nanosheet-Functionalized Optical Microfiber for Room-Temperature Volatile Organic Compound Detection

“…Research in gas sensors has attracted enormous interest due to the importance of industrial emission control, air quality monitoring, and building security . Specifically, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are critical due to their role in tropospheric chemistry and their lethal effects on human health. , VOCs are gases emitted from either solid or liquid products such as paints, cleaners, and other office supplies such as copiers, adhesives, and furnishing coatings. Symptoms associated with excessive exposure to VOCs include headache, nausea, allergic skin reaction, and eye/respiratory tract irritation.…”