2014 will be the year of 3D printing "break trough" – the prices for 3D printers are dropping, and many people are installing 3D printing equipment within their private rooms. But there is a dark side of this 3D printing hype: Healt risk …
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I've had addressed it already in January 2014 in my German blog article: 3D-Drucker: Hype und Risiken. Here's a look at the double edged sword 3D printing: Whilst this technology can enable new solutions und drive innovation, we should not ignore the potential hazardous consequences.
A study Ultrafine particle emissions from desktop 3D printers published at sciencedirect.com points out the potential risks of this technology. Ultrafine particle emission is a serious issue during 3D printing. Whilst it's not a problem in industry, where 3D printers are housed in cabinets, where particle emission in a work room can be keep low, we will facing big problems in home environments. As you can see on many photos, private users are installing 3D printers in their home office or hobby room – without any further hosing and exhaust filter. This will bear potential health risks on a long term base (lung cancer e.g.). Also popular printed things like food ware (spoons, cups, plates etc.) which comes in contact with food bears health risks. Other issues are discussed within this article: The dark side of 3D printing: 10 things to watch
Further reading:
Ultrafine Particles and the Potential Risks of Printing without Ventilation
3D printing getting huge hype – it could be one massive health risk
3D printing at home could have health risks, says study
