Materials created through 3D printing may be toxic, a recent study revealed. Scientists at the University of California, Riverside found that these 3D parts are dangerous to certain species of fish embryo, raising questions about how these waste materials should be disposed.
A year ago, Shirin Mesbah Oskui, one of the researchers of the study, utilized a 3D printed disk to help her analyze several zebrafish embryos in her lab. Oskui discovered that doing so had killed the baby fish.
Oskui, together with her adviser Assistant Professor William Grover, then studied two types of 3D printers. The first printer melts plastic to build a 3D part while the second printer uses light to turn 3D liquid into a solid material. The 3D printers they assessed were a Dimension Elite printer made by Stratasys and a Form 1+ stereolithography printer made by Formlabs, respectively.
Scientists found that materials from both printers were relatively toxic to zebrafish embryos. Parts from the Form 1+ printer were the most dangerous, they said. Because 3D parts were toxic to zebrafish embryos, other species of fish may also be affected.
The team managed to create a simple post-printing treatment that includes exposure to ultraviolet light, which reduced levels of toxicity from the second printer.
Grover compared 3D printers to tiny factories in a box. "We regulate factories. We would never bring one into our home. Yet, we are starting to bring these 3D printers into our homes like they are toasters," he said.
Grover said other people should be aware of the material's harmful effects to fish embryos. The findings in the study were the first of its kind to look into the subject, he said.
He also said that the findings of the study implicated an industry that is currently booming. Reports by industry-tracking group Canalys said the 3D printing sector was worth US$2.5 billion in 2013 and is expected to grow to US$16.2 billion within the next three years.
The team hopes to address more questions regarding the use of 3D printers. They wonder if the plastic could cause chemicals to go into waterways, and what is the best way to dispose of these materials.
"Many people, including myself, are excited about 3D printing," added Grover. "But, we really need to take a step back and ask: how safe are these materials?"
The group's findings were published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters on Nov. 04, 2015.
