Metal Composition of Particles Emitted from 3D Printing
Material extrusion, or fused filament fabrication (FFF), 3D printers, have been widely used in various indoor environments, but their unintended particle emissions could pose a health hazard to users and occupants. Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) has conducted a multi-year research initiative on 3D printer emissions and has found that 3D printing emits high levels of ultrafine particles (UFPs), smaller than 100 nm. When inhaled, these small particles tend to penetrate deep into the lungs and may enter the bloodstream, which is associated with an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. CIRI’s study has shown that exposure to 3D printer-emitted particles induces toxic responses according to in vivo, in vitro, and acellular assays. Previous research has focused on the characterization of particle emissions. However, metals are an important component of the emissions associated with adverse health impacts, which are not well understood. In particular, metal-based additives are commonly used in plastics, and metal powder is an additive in emerging composite filament materials. These metals could be released during printing, increasing the health risks associated with exposure to 3D printing emissions.
CIRI conducted a study that analyzed the metal compositions of various raw filament materials and the particles emitted from using these filaments. Both particle and filament samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the concentration of each detected metal was calculated. Based on the measurement, the partitioning of metal from filament to particle was estimated, and the source of the metals was determined. Finally, the concentrations of potential exposure to 3D printer-emitted particles and metals were estimated using an indoor exposure model and then compared to existing indoor air quality and health-based standard and regulation reference levels. This study has been published in Science of the Total Environment.
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