Recent 3D Printing Emissions Research at EPA
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Rationale: Numerous studies have confirmed the release of ultrafine particles (UFPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM®) 3D printers. There is now opportunity to broaden the scope of 3D printing emissions research, beyond detection of 3D printer emissions, to understand emissions from accessory technologies such as filament extruders, and to translate exposure to 3D printing emissions through dosimetry modeling to inhaled deposited dose. Methods: This presentation will describe recent studies performed at EPA on 3D printer filament extrusion and inhalation dosimetry modeling. A 3D printer filament extruder was run inside of a test chamber using three different plastic feedstocks. In addition, the Multiple Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) model version 3.04 was applied to 3D printer emissions from a separate test chamber study. Results and Discussion: The filament extrusion process was found to release UFPs and VOCs with particle number emission rates comparable to 3D printer studies. Results of the MPPD modeling study predicted higher mass deposition per pulmonary surface area in 3-month-old, 23-month-old, 3-year-old, and 9-year-old subjects compared to older subjects. Ongoing work is further characterizing the organic and metal composition of 3D printer emissions. Conclusions and Implications: This research shows that use of filament extruder technology may present additional exposures comparable to those from 3D printers. The higher deposition in the pulmonary region of children compared to adults predicted by the dosimetry model suggests a potentially susceptible population due to both exposure and status of respiratory tract development. The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.