3D Printers: The Invisible Threat in Schools and Offices

Most people have heard of 3D printers. They are cool machines that build things layer by layer. Over the last ten years, these devices have become super popular. You can find them in schools, universities, offices, and even hospitals. They are not just for big companies anymore. Anyone can get a desktop 3D printer for a reasonable price. But here is the thing. These printers might be small and handy, but they can release harmful chemicals into the air. These chemicals are called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs for short. They can be dangerous if you breathe them in too much. Some of these VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, and even more serious health problems over time. It is important to think about where these printers are used and how often. So, what exactly are these VOCs? They are gases that come from certain solids or liquids. In the case of 3D printers, these gases come from the materials used to print objects. Different types of printing materials release different kinds of VOCs. Some are more harmful than others. For example, materials like ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) can release more harmful VOCs compared to others like PLA (polylactic acid). It is crucial to know what materials are being used and how they affect the air quality in the room. Now, think about a classroom full of students or an office with many workers. If a 3D printer is running all day, those VOCs can build up. This can be a big problem, especially in places where people spend a lot of time indoors. Schools and offices should have good ventilation to keep the air clean. But not all places have this. So, it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to reduce them. One way to reduce the risks is to use safer printing materials. Another way is to make sure the printer is in a well-ventilated area. It is also a good idea to take breaks from using the printer. This can help reduce the amount of VOCs in the air. Everyone should know about these risks and take action to stay safe. After all, the last thing anyone wants is to get sick from a machine that is supposed to be helpful.