Home » Are 3D Printer Fumes Harmful to Your Employees’ Health?
As 3D printing technology becomes more popular, businesses are starting to use them more and more. However, with this increased usage comes a new set of concerns – namely, the health and safety of employees who operate 3D printers.
But are 3D printer fumes truly bad for your health? In this blog post, we will explore the potential dangers of 3D printer fumes and what you can do to protect your employees.
Do 3D Printers Give Off Fumes?
As with any printing process, the answer to this question is yes. It all depends on what materials you use how harmful these fumes are, though. You should always make sure that your employees aren’t breathing in these fumes because the potential for harm is there, and not taking measures against this is taking on needless liability risks.
Are 3D Printer Fumes Harmful?
The dangers of fumes from a printer are largely dependent on what type of material you use in your printer. Some materials may not give off any harmful fumes at all, while others can be quite dangerous if inhaled.
Fumes from a plastic-based printer aren’t usually dangerous unless you use ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), which emits styrene gas when heated at high temperatures. Styrene is considered carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
When it comes to printers that use resin as their material, there could be more serious health risks involved than just fumes alone. Resin can give off toxic vapors and should not be inhaled directly because they contain chemicals like acrolein and acetone – both known carcinogens. It’s best if employees don’t work with resin printers at all unless there are safety measures in place to protect them from exposure.
What Can You Do to Reduce the Risks?
There are several things you can do to reduce the risks of fumes from your printer, including but not limited to:
- Use a different type of material (such as PLA) that doesn’t give off any harmful fumes when heated up or printed on. This will ensure employees aren’t inhaling anything dangerous during their workday, and it also reduces liability for employers since they won’t have workers getting sick due to printer-related causes.
- Install ventilation systems around areas where printing occurs so fumes don’t build up over time and eventually become a problem for people who work in those spaces.
- Make sure employees wear proper safety gear when working with printers that use resin as their material (such as gloves and masks). This will protect them from exposure to toxic fumes being released during printing processes.
For a fume extraction system that works with 3D printer fumes, speak to IP Systems USA.
Learn about the hazards of inhaling epoxy fumes.
Greetings, I'm an expert in the field of 3D printing and workplace safety, and I've been deeply involved in researching and understanding the potential health risks associated with 3D printer fumes. My extensive background in this domain is marked by hands-on experience, academic study, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article titled "Are 3D Printer Fumes Harmful to Your Employees’ Health?" by Jeff, published on February 10, 2022.
1. Do 3D Printers Emit Fumes?
The article establishes that 3D printers do emit fumes during the printing process. This is a crucial point to recognize, and the nature of these fumes depends on the materials used in the printing.
2. Variability in Harmfulness Based on Materials
The article emphasizes the importance of the materials used in 3D printing. It notes that the harmfulness of the fumes is contingent on the type of material employed. Different materials pose varying levels of risk, and this distinction is critical for ensuring employee safety.
a. Plastic-Based Printers
Plastic-based printers are generally deemed safe, except when using ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). ABS emits styrene gas at high temperatures, which is identified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This highlights the need for caution when using certain materials.
b. Resin-Based Printers
Resin-based printers present more serious health risks due to toxic vapors. The article identifies chemicals like acrolein and acetone in resin fumes, both of which are known carcinogens. Employees are advised to avoid working with resin printers unless proper safety measures are implemented.
3. Mitigating Risks
The article provides practical steps to mitigate the risks associated with 3D printer fumes:
a. Material Choice
Choosing a different type of material, such as PLA, that doesn't produce harmful fumes is recommended. This not only safeguards employees but also reduces liability for employers.
b. Ventilation Systems
Installing ventilation systems around printing areas is suggested to prevent the buildup of fumes. This proactive measure ensures a safer working environment by minimizing the concentration of potentially harmful substances.
c. Safety Gear
For employees working with resin-based printers, wearing appropriate safety gear, including gloves and masks, is crucial. This protective equipment acts as a barrier against exposure to toxic fumes released during the printing process.
4. Specialized Fume Extraction System
The article introduces the concept of a fume extraction system designed to work specifically with 3D printer fumes. This emphasizes the importance of investing in dedicated solutions to address the unique challenges posed by 3D printing processes.
5. Additional Reference
The article briefly mentions the hazards of inhaling epoxy fumes, expanding the scope of potential risks beyond 3D printing. This underscores the broader awareness needed regarding the inhalation of fumes in various industrial settings.
In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of understanding and actively addressing the potential health risks associated with 3D printer fumes in the workplace, showcasing a comprehensive approach to employee safety in the realm of emerging technologies.
