The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from 3D printers using polylactic acid (PLA) filaments at a university workroom to assess exposure and health risks in an occupational setting. Under typical-case (one printer) and worst-case (three printers operating simultaneously) scenarios, particulate concentration (total and respirable), VOCs and formaldehyde were measured. Air samples were collected in the printing room and adjacent hallway. Size-resolved levels of nano-diameter particles were also collected in the printing room. Total particulate levels were higher in the worst-case scenario (0.7 mg/m3) vs. typical-case scenario (0.3 mg/m3). Respirable particulate and formaldehyde concentrations were similar between the two scenarios. Size-resolved measurements showed that most particles ranged from approximately 27 to 116 nm. Total VOC levels were approximately 6-fold higher during the worst-case scenario vs. typical situation with isopropyl alcohol being the predominant VOC. Airborne concentrations in the hallway were generally lower than inside the printing room. All measurements were below their respective occupational exposure limits. In summary, emissions of particulates and VOCs increased when multiple 3D printers were operating simultaneously. Airborne levels in the adjacent hallway were similar between the two scenarios. Overall, data suggest a low risk of significant and persistent adverse health effects. Nevertheless, the health effects attributed to 3D printing are not fully known and adherence to good hygiene principles is recommended during use of this technology.

中文翻译：

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在职业环境中使用3D打印机会产生排放和健康风险。

这项研究的目的是确定在大学工作室使用聚乳酸（PLA）细丝从3D打印机排放的微粒和挥发性有机化合物（VOC）的浓度，以评估职业环境中的暴露和健康风险。在典型情况（一台打印机）和最坏情况（三台打印机同时运行）的情况下，测量了颗粒物浓度（总和可吸入的），VOC和甲醛。在印刷室和相邻的走廊中收集了空气样本。尺寸分辨水平的纳米直径颗粒也收集在印刷室中。最坏情况下的总颗粒水平较高（0.7 mg / m3），而典型情况下的总颗粒水平较高（0.3 mg / m3）。在两种情况下，可吸入颗粒物和甲醛浓度相似。尺寸分辨的测量结果表明，大多数颗粒的范围约为27至116 nm。在最坏的情况下，总挥发性有机化合物含量比通常的以异丙醇为主要挥发性有机化合物的情况高约6倍。走廊中的空气中浓度通常低于印刷室内。所有测量值均低于各自的职业暴露极限。总之，当多个3D打印机同时运行时，颗粒物和VOC的排放量会增加。在两种情况下，相邻走廊中的空中高度相似。总体而言，数据表明，严重和持续不利健康影响的风险较低。尽管如此，归因于3D打印的健康影响尚不完全清楚，建议在使用该技术期间遵守良好的卫生原则。