Health and Safety in 3D Printing

Abstract

Nowadays, it is possible to find 3D printers everywhere, at homes, schools, work offices, etcetera. 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that is increasingly gaining popularity, and it can create functional parts with a wide variety of shapes and sizes. But on the other hand, there are health risks associated with 3D printers, like nanoparticles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are important to know to improve health and safety and avoid diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, among others. This chapter analyses techniques for sampling the nanoparticles and VOCs exposure during 3D printing and a health effects review, giving tools to evaluate the risks and recommendations to avoid or minimise these risks using engineering controls like extraction systems or good ventilation.