The use of additive manufacturing, better known to the public as 3D printing, has increased significantly in the last decade, both in industry and for private use. The advantages are many; besides the possibility to manufacture complex objects, manufacturing is both faster and cheaper than traditional processes as large costs for both logistics and stock management are reduced. There are however concerns regarding possible health implications due to emissions involving both ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The aim of the current study was to explore respiratory and cardiovascular health among 3D-operators.

In total, 18 subjects working with different additive manufacturing techniques and production of filament with polymer feedstock and 20 controls participated in the study. All participants filled in a questionnaire regarding respiratory health and occupational history, underwent blood and urine sampling, spirometry, impulsoscillometry (IOS), exhaled NO (FeNO) and collection of particles in exhaled air (PEx). Analysis of PEx included surfactant protein A and phosphatidylcholines. Exposure, including particle and VOC measurement, was also assessed. 

Regarding exposure, there was large variation in particle and VOC concentrations as well as composition of VOCs depending on 3D-printing technique and polymer feedstock. There was no difference between the groups regarding FeNO, IOS and spirometry variables. Levels of unsaturated and saturated phosphatidylcholines differed between the groups; dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (PC16:0_16:0) was significantly lower and palmitoyllinoleoylphosphatidylcholine (PC16:0_18:2) was higher among operators compared to the control group.