PLA fumes are generally safe, but may affect health with long exposure. Ensure good ventilation in the printing area to avoid risks. This is the main takeaway from this article, which will explore the potential toxicity of PLA fumes and how to minimize them. PLA (polylactic acid) is the most popular and widely used material for 3D printing, due to its low cost, easy accessibility, and environmentally friendly nature. However, many users have raised questions about the potential toxicity of PLA fumes and whether they pose a threat to their health. In this article, we will answer these questions based on the current research and data available.
During the 3D printing process, when PLA filament is heated through the 3D printer’s hot end, it releases fumes – a phenomenon common with thermoplastics. These PLA fumes, consist of various emissions, primarily made up of ultrafine particles (UFPs) and, to a lesser extent, volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Ultrafine Particles (UFPs)
One of the primary components of PLA fumes is UFPs, which are particles less than 0.1 micrometers in diameter. These particles are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, potentially causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage. UFPs have been linked to various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, and heart attacks. According to a study by Environmental Science & Technology, 3D printing with PLA can produce UFPs at a rate of 20 billion particles per minute.
Another component of PLA fumes is VOCs, which are organic chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. Some VOCs are known to be harmful to human health, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and styrene. These chemicals can cause irritation, headaches, nausea, and even cancer. However, PLA is considered to be a low emitter of VOCs compared to other 3D printing materials, such as ABS. According to a study by 3Dsafety.org, PLA emits only 5 micrograms of VOCs per gram of material, while ABS emits 200 micrograms.
How to Reduce PLA Fumes?
While PLA fumes are not highly toxic, they may still cause discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals, especially those with respiratory sensitivity. Therefore, it is advisable to take some precautions to reduce the exposure to PLA fumes and ensure a safe and healthy 3D printing environment. Here are some tips to follow:
Ventilate the printing area. This is the most effective and simple way to reduce the concentration of PLA fumes in the air. Open the windows, use a fan, or install an exhaust system to improve the air circulation and remove the fumes from the printing area. This will also help to prevent the accumulation of heat and humidity, which can affect the print quality and performance.
Use a filter or an enclosure. Another option is to use a filter or an enclosure to capture the PLA fumes before they escape into the air. A filter is a device that attaches to the 3D printer’s nozzle and traps the fumes using a fan and a filter media, such as activated carbon or HEPA. An enclosure is a box that covers the entire 3D printer and prevents the fumes from escaping. Some enclosures also have built-in filters or fans to enhance the filtration. Both filters and enclosures can be purchased commercially or DIYed, depending on your preference and budget.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE). If you are working in a poorly ventilated area or have a high sensitivity to PLA fumes, you may want to wear some personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect yourself. This includes a respirator, a mask, or a face shield that can filter out the UFPs and VOCs from the air. You may also want to wear gloves, goggles, and a lab coat to avoid direct contact with the PLA filament and the printed objects, as they may still contain some residual fumes.
Limit the printing time and temperature. The longer and hotter you print with PLA, the more fumes you will produce. Therefore, it is advisable to limit the printing time and temperature to the minimum necessary for your project. You can also use a slicer software to optimize the print settings and reduce the amount of material and energy used. Additionally, you can pause or stop the printing process if you feel any discomfort or symptoms from the PLA fumes, such as irritation, coughing, or headache.
PLA fumes are generally safe, but may affect health with long exposure. Ensure good ventilation in the printing area to avoid risks. This is the main takeaway from this article, which has explored the potential toxicity of PLA fumes and how to minimize them. PLA is the most popular and widely used material for 3D printing, due to its low cost, easy accessibility, and environmentally friendly nature. However, PLA fumes consist of various emissions, primarily made up of ultrafine particles (UFPs) and, to a lesser extent, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These emissions can cause irritation, inflammation, and cellular damage, especially for those with respiratory sensitivity. Therefore, it is advisable to take some precautions to reduce the exposure to PLA fumes and ensure a safe and healthy 3D printing environment. These include ventilating the printing area, using a filter or an enclosure, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and limiting the printing time and temperature.
We hope this article has been informative and helpful for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading and happy 3D printing!
