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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
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3D Printing - Evaluating Particle Emissions of a 3D Printing Pen
Published on: October 9, 2020
3D Printing Filament Composition, Emissions, and Induced Proinflammatory Responses
Jonathan M Beard1, Charli S Worth2, Dinny Stevens1
1Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798-7266, United States.
Chemical Research in Toxicology
|July 15, 2026
Summary
3D printing filaments can release metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like styrene from ABS, posing potential health risks. Proper ventilation and masks are crucial for 3D printer users to minimize exposure to these aerosolized emissions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- 3D printing literature lacks comprehensive data on filament composition, aerosol emissions, and associated human health risks.
- Understanding filament materials is key to assessing potential hazards during 3D printing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze metal content in nonmetal 3D printing filaments.
- To quantify volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from different filament types.
- To evaluate the potential human health risks of these emissions and particulate matter.
Main Methods:
- Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for elemental analysis.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface and internal filament composition.
- Gas chromatography (GC) coupled with thermal desorption for VOC analysis.
- In vitro exposure of BEAS-2B lung cells to assess inflammatory responses.
Main Results:
- Six metals (Al, Mg, Mn, Cr, Fe, Cu) detected in nonmetal filaments; higher metal concentration internally for Cu- and steel-filled filaments.
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filaments emitted more VOCs than polylactic acid (PLA) filaments.
- Styrene (from ABS) identified as a high-risk VOC; Toluene and Benzaldehyde emitted from both ABS and PLA.
- Steel filaments induced the highest proinflammatory response in lung cells, linked to chromium and particulate matter.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing filaments can release hazardous metals and VOCs, with ABS posing greater risks due to styrene emissions.
- Steel filaments exhibit significant proinflammatory potential.
- Users must implement safety measures, including ventilation and masks, to mitigate health risks from aerosolized emissions during 3D printing.
