We’ve all heard stories of the dangers of 3D printing, with fires from runaway hot ends or dodgy heated build plates being the main hazards. But what about the particulates? Can they actually…
This study looks at how particles released from 3D printers (specifically using ABS and PLA filaments) can damage cells and potentially lead to cancer. They found changes in gene expression linked to cancer development, but they can’t definitively say 3D printing causes cancer yet.
If you read the full study, though, it’s clear that exposure to these particles affects cells in ways that suggest further research is needed to figure out just how dangerous it is, not if it’s dangerous. The study avoids outright claiming that 3D printing causes cancer because it was mainly designed to assess cellular responses to particulate exposure, not long-term cancer outcomes.
They did see cellular changes linked to cancer pathways, but the study’s design didn’t allow them to draw that direct conclusion. A follow-up study focused on these gene expression changes and long-term effects is likely to show a clearer link between 3D printing exposure and cancer development.
That being said, this isn’t the only study. For instance, particles emitted during 3D printing—especially ultrafine nanoparticles—have been shown to cause cellular damage, oxidative stress, DNA breaks, and inflammation, all of which are early indicators for cancer development. In one study, exposure to ABS fumes led to a 49.5% decline in cell viability, pointing to high toxicity levels.
Other research has suggested that people exposed to 3D printer emissions have a cancer risk 3.44 times higher than those exposed to typical urban pollution. To be blunt, it’s pretty well established that the particles emitted from 3D printing processes are biologically active and harmful. I think that most people engaged with the hobby probably know that intuitively, which seems borne out by the tenor of many of the comments here.
It’s dangerous, and it’s likely shortening your lifespan in the long term. You might not care now, but if you get cancer in a decade or two, I imagine future you will feel differently. “Do you” and all that, but I’m amazed by the amount of people 3D printing without air filtration and vent hoods. The fact that some people do this in the open air in their living spaces is mind boggling to me.
What they’re saying is basically: We have no clue if 3D-printing can cause cancer, but better be careful.
Yeah, I didn’t know that before.
This study looks at how particles released from 3D printers (specifically using ABS and PLA filaments) can damage cells and potentially lead to cancer. They found changes in gene expression linked to cancer development, but they can’t definitively say 3D printing causes cancer yet.
If you read the full study, though, it’s clear that exposure to these particles affects cells in ways that suggest further research is needed to figure out just how dangerous it is, not if it’s dangerous. The study avoids outright claiming that 3D printing causes cancer because it was mainly designed to assess cellular responses to particulate exposure, not long-term cancer outcomes.
They did see cellular changes linked to cancer pathways, but the study’s design didn’t allow them to draw that direct conclusion. A follow-up study focused on these gene expression changes and long-term effects is likely to show a clearer link between 3D printing exposure and cancer development.
That being said, this isn’t the only study. For instance, particles emitted during 3D printing—especially ultrafine nanoparticles—have been shown to cause cellular damage, oxidative stress, DNA breaks, and inflammation, all of which are early indicators for cancer development. In one study, exposure to ABS fumes led to a 49.5% decline in cell viability, pointing to high toxicity levels.
Other research has suggested that people exposed to 3D printer emissions have a cancer risk 3.44 times higher than those exposed to typical urban pollution. To be blunt, it’s pretty well established that the particles emitted from 3D printing processes are biologically active and harmful. I think that most people engaged with the hobby probably know that intuitively, which seems borne out by the tenor of many of the comments here.
It’s dangerous, and it’s likely shortening your lifespan in the long term. You might not care now, but if you get cancer in a decade or two, I imagine future you will feel differently. “Do you” and all that, but I’m amazed by the amount of people 3D printing without air filtration and vent hoods. The fact that some people do this in the open air in their living spaces is mind boggling to me.
Can you share these studies?
And reading this I’m now considering getting rid of my printer
For the record, I don’t necessarily think you need to get rid of your printer, but taking some safety precautions might be wise.
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.4103/ijmpo.ijmpo_118_17
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ftox.2021.817454/full
https://doi.org/10.4055/cios21181