UL Chemical Safety has announced the publication of a 3D printing standard which aims to mitigate the risk of indoor air pollution.
ANSI/CAN/UL 2904 ‘Standard Method for Testing and Assessing Particle and Chemical Emissions from 3D Printers’ is now available for use. The standard applies to freestanding 3D printers, typically found in schools, offices, libraries, homes, and other ‘non-industrial’ indoor spaces.
It contains measurement and assessment protocols for the emission of particles and volatile chemicals from diverse 3D printers, print media, and print publications. UL believes it will help to ‘advance the availability of low emission printers and print media for use in the global marketplace’.
UL has sought to establish this standard off the back of a years of research. In a study conducted between 2016 and 2018, the organisation found that many desktop 3D printers on the market today generate ultrafine particles, which could feasibly be inhaled and penetrate deep into the pulmonary system, and thus potentially posing health concerns. This study also found that more than 200 different volatile organic compounds, many of which are suspected carcinogens – substances which can cause cancer – can be released when a 3D printer is in operation.
“The new Standard allows manufacturers and users of 3D printers to have the assurance that printers have been tested and shown to meet low emission criteria for small particles and volatile chemicals that can affect human health,” commented Dr. Marilyn Black, VP and Senior Technical Advisor, UL.
“UL is proud to offer its first safety standard addressing chemical pollution and reducing its impact on human health,” added Phil Piqueria, VP of Standards, UL.
ANSI/CAN/UL 2904 is now available for digital download and hard copy purchase through UL Standards' sales website.