Course Description: The Impact of 3D Printers on Indoor Air Quality and Human Health
The increasing popularity of 3D printing has revolutionized products and designs from industrial prototyping to educational, commercial, and residential environments. While 3D printing offers innovation and potential, the process introduces a critical public health concern – the potential release of airborne contaminants during operation. To address the public health risks associated with 3D printing, UL Research Institutes' Chemical Insights' research helps identify chemical emissions and deliver science-based solutions to enhance 3D printing safety across user groups. This course will provide an overview of the links between indoor air quality and human health, discuss the applications of 3D printers, present Chemical Insights' research findings, and present the best practices for reducing and mitigating exposure risks.
Part 1: Indoor Air Quality and Human Health
In recent years, studies performed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Improving IAQ is the key to protecting human health and well-being. This module will review basic information that will help you minimize your exposure to potential indoor air pollutants and protect your health. It will identify common types of indoor air pollutants, including their sources and health impacts. Then, it will explore strategies for minimizing exposure to pollutants and provide strategies for managing IAQ. This module is a helpful primer for those needing a basic grounding in IAQ considerations.
Estimated Duration: 15 minutes
Part 2: 3D Printer Use
The 3D printing market has grown steadily in recent years. Thanks to the development of affordable, compact, and user-friendly 3D printers, consumer use is booming in offices, classrooms, and homes. This module will walk you through the key applications of 3D printers, along with their benefits and unintended consequences. Learners will gain an understanding of two commonly used types of 3D printers: material extrusion printers and vat photopolymerization printers.
Estimated Duration: 10 minutes
Part 3: Research Findings
Take a behind-the-scenes look at UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights’ multiyear research initiative about the potential health impacts of 3D printers. This research was initiated when parents and teachers began to ask questions about the implications of 3D printer use in classrooms. Chemical Insights researchers conducted field studies in K-12 schools, universities, and dental schools in order to collect air samples, evaluate emission, and describe potential health impacts. This module will describe the research methods and findings, and discuss how the research is driving progress towards a safer future.
Estimated Duration: 20 minutes
Part 4: Best Practices for Reducing Risks
The final module in this series outlines strategies for mitigating the unintended consequences of 3D printers. It walks through three categories of strategies: purchasing, location and operation. Each section contains tangible recommendations to reduce potential exposure to pollutants. The module concludes with a high-level overview of the hierarchy of controls to guide you to the most effective mitigation approaches. Collectively, this series empowers you to understand the impact of 3D printers on IAQ and take preventive or corrective action as needed to safeguard human health and well-being.
Estimated Duration: 15 minutes
You can also click here to access the course on Chemical Insights' website.