87 Personal nanoparticle exposure measurements in polymer 3D-printing

Abstract 3D-printing is continuing to grow as an industry, which means more people will be at risk of exposure from printer emissions and related post-processing tasks. Studies have shown that many printers emit nanoparticles, which can reach very high concentrations, similar to a welding environment. Less is known about the operators’ personal exposure to nanoparticles, which could have adverse health implications. The aim of the research was to investigate personal exposure to nanoparticles in different 3D-printing environments. Operators at four different printing facilities wore particle counters specific for the nano-range (Partector 2, Naneos) in the breathing zone for full working days. In total 15 separate measurements were made. In addition to this, the operators filled out diaries about what tasks had been performed during the measurement days to aid interpretation of the data. DataRAM™ (0.1-10 µm) were also worn by the operators in the breathing zone, to measure dust levels and stationary particle counters (P-trak 8525, 20 nm-1µm) were used to characterise emissions in the different facilities. Exposure varied significantly between operators and work tasks. Diaries were crucial to determine tasks with the highest exposure. Mean operator exposure ranged from (103 – 13732 pt/ml) but number of peak exposures in a day (> 10 000 pt/ml) better characterized the different facilities. Personal worn nanoparticle counters were a useful tool to measure particle exposure during 3D-printing. Many of the printers used in the study were enclosed with local exhaust ventilation or with hoods with filters, which likely reduced emissions.