29 Fugitive Emissions from Carbon Dioxide Laser Cutting Activities

Abstract Carbon Dioxide laser cutters are used to cut and engrave on various types of materials, including metals, wood, and plastics. Although many are equipped with fume extractors for removing airborne substances generated during laser cutting, gases and particulate matter can be released upon opening the lid after completion. Real-time instruments were utilized to monitor both particulate concentrations and size distributions, while the novel Tsai Diffusion Sampler was used to collect particulate samples on a polycarbonate membrane and TEM grid. Preliminary detection of released gases consisted of the use of gas sampling with Teflon Gas Bags and followed with analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). A portable ambient infrared air analyzer was used to quantify the concentrations of the chemicals released by the laser cutting activities. Results of the study found that a significant concentration of particulate matter ranging 15.4 - 86 nm in particle sizes were released each time the laser cutter lid was opened and were observed to gradually increase in concentration for a period of at least 20 minutes after the completion of a cut. The GC-MS gaseous samples primarily contained methyl methacrylate at a low level close to the detection limit of the infrared air analyzer.