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Chemicals released from 3D printers and the prevention of workers’ health: a literature review

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Abstract

Objective and methods

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is providing new tools. However, the feedstocks use synthetic polymers, such as acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene, polylactic acid, nylon, and some metals; and while 3D printing, volatile organic compounds and nanoparticles can be released. The literature search was performed using the key terms “3D printing”, “chemicals”, “toxicity”, “health”, and “workers”. This review examines the search responses for their related experimental results, as well as adverse effects or toxicities, to gain more understanding of their health effects, and help prevent the occupational diseases of workers from the 3D printing process.

Results and conclusion

Additive manufacturing or “3D-printing” is a ground-breaking technology that enables the production of complex 3D parts. Its rapid growth calls for immediate toxicological investigations of possible human exposure to estimate occupational health risks. General management measures for hazardous chemicals or harmful factors include substitution, isolation, and ventilation as engineering measures, and the wearing of protective equipment and education as administrative measures. Environmental management measures may be applied.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (Ulsan, Republic of Korea), the Ministry of Employment and Labor (Sejong, Republic of Korea), and a Grant-in-Aid for chemical hazard evaluation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemicals Research Bureau, Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Daejeon, Korea

    Kyung-Taek Rim

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Correspondence to Kyung-Taek Rim.

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Kyung-Taek Rim declares no conflict of interest.

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Rim, KT. Chemicals released from 3D printers and the prevention of workers’ health: a literature review. Toxicol. Environ. Health Sci. 15, 3–7 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13530-022-00158-1

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