3D Printers Could Affect Respiratory System, Study Finds

A new study from UL Chemical Safety and Georgia Tech revealed that 3D printers released ultrafine particles (UFPs) that, if inhaled, could affect your respiratory system.

The multi-year study concluded that UFPs are released mostly in the beginning of the printing process. In addition to UFPs, scientists say 3D printers also released more than 200 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which are known to promote the formation of cancer.

For the study, scientists looked at FDM 3D printers, one of the most widely used 3D printing techs in the world.

Scientists are calling for more studies about the impact these emissions have on human health. Additionally, they hope to conduct more studies to establish an industry standard.

For now, it’s recommended to operate 3D printers in well-ventilated areas, print at the lowest temperature that works with the specific filament, and look for machines and filaments.

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