“Following our series of studies – the most extensive to date on 3D printer emissions – we are recommending additional investments in scientific research and product advancement to minimize emissions and increased user awareness so safety measures can be taken,” said Marilyn Black, vice president and senior technical adviser at UL.
UL Chemical Safety and the Georgia Institute of Technology recently announced a body of research that explored the impact of 3D printing on indoor air quality. Following an in-depth, two-year research period with Georgia Tech, UL Chemical Safety found that many desktop 3D printers generate ultrafine particles while in operation, which may be a health concern since they are the size of nanoparticles and may be inhaled and penetrate deep into the human pulmonary system. The research also revealed more than 200 different volatile organic compounds, many of which are known or suspected irritants and carcinogens, are released while 3D printers are in operation.
