3D Printing and Health.

Little is known by me about three dimensional printing health issues. But I have noticed some effects that do affect my general well-being. 

Here is a typical “BS” report created to support WWW advertising space. https://www.dezeen.com/2016/02/16/health-study-reveals-harmful-toxic-effects-hazards-3d-printing-illinois-institute-technology/#

The literature always warns to work in a well ventilated area. I am guilty of not doing that. My work space is not sealed but my home is very well sealed.

I live in a SIP (structural Insulated panel) constructed, high energy savings, electrically heated home. There is very little air exchange between inside to outside. Good for energy savings, bad for good ventilation.

The result is, my office/work room with the heating/cooling system running clears very well. But the printing fumes (with the amount of printing I do) can build to high levels in the entire home.

A window fan is not a cure as this space is also my office and computer area and I can’t work here without full comfort air conditioning.

I don’t (yet) have a breathing or other serious illness of which I am aware. But I do suffer from rather sever eye irritation. I am absolutely sure it is from the printing fumes from PLA, PETG, ASA, and other plastics.

I can notice the odor as far away as my bedroom and suffer some eye irritation there. My eyes fight back and will get “sandy” or crusty as my eyes try to fight the irritation.

I have found a short term cure. I run the exhaust fans in laundry, kitchen and bathroom areas and this forces enough air infiltration (over tine) to clear the house full of fumes. 

This is a short term cure.

What I really need to find is a much better working arrangement or do far less 3D printing. Short term is to do far less printing. 

I have taken up another creative interest, I am doing LASER engraving, 

This produces a lot of smoke and fumes and cannot be operated within the conditioned living spaces of my home. It’s regulated to the garage with the overhead door (OHD) open and the ventilation fans running. In the summer here in Texas, the garage/shop temperature reaches close to 100 degrees. 

I can retreat back to my conditioned office space for the CAD and design using my computers.

The 3D printers should be out there. My resin 3D printer is only used in the garage because of the fumes it will produce.

The problem for me seems to be that most of my creative hobbies tend to STINK! I really need a well ventilated separate workshop. But at my age (75) and the unfriendly HOA (Home Owners Association), that will never be a dream come true at this location. No separate shop here. I must make the best with the space I have. That gets me a bye for now.

This is all a part of the price in doing the things we enjoy. Not the the “best practice” for sure, but I do the best with what I have.