Impacts of 3D Printing and Mitigation Strategies on Particle Exposures in School Environments

QIAN ZHANG, Aika Davis, Marilyn Black, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

     Abstract Number: 291
     Working Group: Indoor Aerosols

Abstract
Material extrusion 3D printers have been widely used in school environments, however, 3D printer emissions including ultrafine particles, metals and volatile organic compounds likely deteriorate indoor air quality and potentially adversely affect human health, especially for susceptible population like children. This study conducted several site monitoring at different school environments with 3D printers, aiming at understanding particle exposure levels in schools and evaluating the impacts of 3D printing emissions. Low-emitting printers with various print materials were set up in different classrooms and laboratories. Particle concentrations and size distributions in the printer room and a different room without printers (control room) were monitored to evaluate the effects of 3D printing; as well as a comparison of near the printer and away from printer to evaluate the proximity effect. Multiple exposure mitigation strategies were also evaluated for particle exposure, including opening windows, using a fume hood, using a portable air cleaner, attaching a filtration system on the printer, and applying an enclosure over the printer. The potential health impacts associated with particles will also be discussed.