In recent years, the development of 3-D printing techniques has been increasing worldwide due to the opportunities for quick and customized manufacturing and low production costs. In this context, the use of nanomaterials (NMs) and advanced materials (AdMa) may improve the final product features and allow the creation of objects with new and enhanced properties for applications in different sectors (e.g., aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medicine). In parallel it is crucial to assess early the potential risks for human health related to potential exposure to NMs and other pollutants generated in work environments. For this purpose, commercial polyamide (PA12), thermoplastic polymer (ABS), and UV-curable photo-resin (PR) used in different 3-D printing processes have been tested by applying the OECD-CEN harmonized tiered approach. Information gathering on materials and processes, emission tests of trial powders in controlled laboratory settings, and workplace measurements and sampling are conducted to characterize the relevant metrics for inhalation of airborne particles in different exposure scenarios. The study is part of a collaboration project between INAIL and STAMI (Norway) aimed at evaluating the exposure to airborne NMs and AdMa in the work environment. The results confirmed that commercial PA12 airborne powders are mainly distributed in the micrometric size range. ABS is recognized as a hazardous material due to its potential human carcinogenic properties, and significant emissions of NMs occurred during the printing process, with relevant values also in the worker’s near-field. Although PR is classified as toxic by inhalation, no relevant emissions have been found when it is used in a two-photon absorption lithography process, also due to the effectiveness of the internal ventilation system. Preliminary recommendations for workplace exposure mitigation depend on process type and may include general containment measures for 3-D printers with local exhaust ventilation.
Potential exposure to airborne nanomaterials generated from 3D printing processes / Boccuni, Fabio; Ferrante, Riccardo; Marcolungo, Chiara; Natale, Claudio; Sebastiani, Francesca; D’Emilia, Enrico; Guerrini, Andrea; Pingue And Francesca Tombolini, Pasqualantonio. - (2025). (Intervento presentato al convegno PEROSH 6th research conference tenutosi a Manchester).
Potential exposure to airborne nanomaterials generated from 3D printing processes
Claudio Natale;Francesca Sebastiani;Andrea Guerrini;
2025
Abstract
In recent years, the development of 3-D printing techniques has been increasing worldwide due to the opportunities for quick and customized manufacturing and low production costs. In this context, the use of nanomaterials (NMs) and advanced materials (AdMa) may improve the final product features and allow the creation of objects with new and enhanced properties for applications in different sectors (e.g., aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medicine). In parallel it is crucial to assess early the potential risks for human health related to potential exposure to NMs and other pollutants generated in work environments. For this purpose, commercial polyamide (PA12), thermoplastic polymer (ABS), and UV-curable photo-resin (PR) used in different 3-D printing processes have been tested by applying the OECD-CEN harmonized tiered approach. Information gathering on materials and processes, emission tests of trial powders in controlled laboratory settings, and workplace measurements and sampling are conducted to characterize the relevant metrics for inhalation of airborne particles in different exposure scenarios. The study is part of a collaboration project between INAIL and STAMI (Norway) aimed at evaluating the exposure to airborne NMs and AdMa in the work environment. The results confirmed that commercial PA12 airborne powders are mainly distributed in the micrometric size range. ABS is recognized as a hazardous material due to its potential human carcinogenic properties, and significant emissions of NMs occurred during the printing process, with relevant values also in the worker’s near-field. Although PR is classified as toxic by inhalation, no relevant emissions have been found when it is used in a two-photon absorption lithography process, also due to the effectiveness of the internal ventilation system. Preliminary recommendations for workplace exposure mitigation depend on process type and may include general containment measures for 3-D printers with local exhaust ventilation.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
