Toy 3D Printers May Emit Toxic Metals and VOCs

This article is published by Chemical Watch on Sept. 5, 2019. Read the original article here.

Toy 3D printers may emit toxic metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), according to research by scientists at US federal agencies. Furthermore, modelling of the emissions data indicates that particles containing iron, manganese and zinc could be deposited in the lung alveoli.

3D printers, which are increasingly common in homes, produce physical objects from computer models, typically by deposition of successive thin layers of a material, such as plastic. The technology has spread to the toy market, which features toy "3D pens" that extrude warm plastic, as well as toy printers.

Scientists at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) and the EPA worked with academics to determine the exposure potential from 3D pens of two brands and one toy 3D printer.

The group presented results at the International Societies of Exposure Science (Ises) meeting in Lithuania last month. According to slides shown at the meeting, they detected volatile organic compounds, including styrene and methyl methacrylate.

Emission levels for particles and VOCs were dependent on the colour of the filament used in the printing process. The filaments used were translucent blue, clear yellow and clear orange polylactic acid (PLA), as well as natural coloured acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The group detected methyl methacrylate while printing yellow PLA and styrene while printing natural coloured ABS.

Modelling of the emissions showed that children's exposure increased with the number of toys in use and proximity of the breathing zone to the toy. Emissions also increased for slower filament feed rates from the 3D pens.

The group concluded that exposures are "likely" from use of the toys. Furthermore, actual exposure level may be higher based on child use habits. Thus, approaches to minimise exposure, such as control technologies to reduce emissions, may be appropriate.

Previously, both the Danish EPA and UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that heated PLA and ABS filaments in desktop 3D printers emitted high levels of very small particles and VOCs that could be breathed in.

The findings of the UK Hse report, published earlier this year, resulted in the development of a good practice guide for schools earlier. Recommended actions to significantly reduce exposures included:

setting a lower printer nozzle temperatures;

using a filament with a lower emission rate; and

placing the printer in an enclosed hood fitted with extraction fan and particulate filter.

Maria Delaney

Reporter

Alfa Chemistry is a professional analytical testing company, and has long been committed to promoting the long-term development of the analytical testing industry. We sincerely welcome colleagues from all walks of life to come to negotiate and cooperate.