3D printers have been widely used in educational settings from K–12 schools to universities as tools that support experiential learning and innovation. They are placed in various locations and environmental settings on campus, such as classrooms, maker centers, laboratories, and offices, alongside other office equipment such as photocopy machines, and are used for teaching, research, design, and prototyping in engineering, architecture, and other fields. In particular, university maker centers often house diverse types and multiple 3D printers within a single space, where these devices may operate continuously for extended periods. This intensive and frequent use increases the likelihood of prolonged exposure to emissions for students and staff working nearby.
Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) has conducted a multi-year research initiative on 3D printer emissions and has found that 3D printing produces ultrafine particles (UFPs, smaller than 100 nm) as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Due to their extremely small size, UFPs can remain suspended in the air for long durations and are easily inhaled. Once inhaled, these particles may penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, which has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
In addition, some VOCs released during 3D printing processes have been associated with both acute and chronic adverse health effects, including eye and throat irritation, respiratory illness, and, in some cases, cancer, depending on exposure duration and concentration levels. The use of 3D printers on campuses can therefore contribute to elevated levels of indoor air pollutants, raising particular concerns for vulnerable populations such as individuals with asthma or other pre-existing respiratory conditions.
As a result, the growing prevalence of 3D printers in educational environments has increased attention to indoor air quality management. In enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, continuous printer operation may lead to the accumulation of airborne pollutants, thereby heightening potential health risks. Consequently, systematic monitoring of particle and VOC levels, together with effective ventilation and exposure mitigation strategies, is essential to ensure a safe learning and working environment.
(Adapted from https://chemicalinsights.ul.org)