Researchers have investigated the potential carcinogenic effects of particulate matter generated during 3D printing using common materials like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA). While the findings are inconclusive, the study highlights the need for further research to fully understand the health risks associated with 3D printing technology. This research is particularly important given recent reports of sarcoma in teachers who used 3D printers extensively. Learn more about ABS and PLA, the materials used in this study.
Investigating the Cancer Risks of 3D Printing
The use of 3D printing has grown rapidly in recent years, with applications ranging from education to manufacturing. However, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with the materials and processes involved in 3D printing. In particular, there have been reports of sarcoma, a type of cancer, developing in teachers who used 3D printers extensively in their classrooms.
To better understand the potential carcinogenic effects of 3D printing, researchers from the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute conducted a study using Balb/c 3T3-1-1 cells, a commonly used cell line for cancer research. The researchers focused on two of the most commonly used materials in 3D printing: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA).
Generating and Testing Particulate Matter
The researchers created a 3D printer generator to produce particulate matter from ABS and PLA filaments, mimicking the conditions of actual 3D printing. The generated particles were then used in a series of experiments to assess their potential for causing genetic damage, cell transformation, and changes in gene expression related to carcinogenesis.
The researchers performed various assays, including the comet assay to measure DNA damage, cell transformation assays to evaluate the cells’ potential for malignant transformation, and microarray analysis to investigate changes in gene expression patterns.
Inconclusive Findings, but Cause for Concern
The results of the study were somewhat inconclusive. The comet assay did not show any significant DNA damage in cells exposed to the particulate matter from ABS or PLA. Similarly, the cell transformation assays did not clearly demonstrate the carcinogenic potential of these materials, with only one transformed focus observed for each ABS and PLA exposure.
However, the microarray analysis revealed changes in gene expression that could be related to carcinogenesis. For example, the researchers found that exposure to ABS particulate matter led to a 41.7% change in gene expression at the highest concentration tested, while PLA exposure resulted in an 18.6% change. Additionally, the researchers observed changes in the expression of specific genes associated with cancer progression, such as RBM3 and MPP6, in cells exposed to ABS.
Calling for Further Research
The researchers concluded that while the carcinogenic potential of particulate matter from ABS and PLA in 3D printing cannot be completely ruled out, the findings were not conclusive enough to establish a direct causal relationship. They emphasized the need for further research using different test systems and additional parameters related to carcinogenesis to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the potential health risks associated with 3D printing using these materials.
This study highlights the importance of continued investigation into the health impacts of emerging technologies like 3D printing. As the use of 3D printing continues to grow, it is crucial to ensure that the process and materials involved are safe for both users and the general public. The findings of this research underscore the need for a cautious and thorough approach to evaluating the potential risks of 3D printing technology.
Author credit: This article is based on research by CheolHong Lim, DongSeok Seo.
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