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Inhaled polycarbonate feedstock 3-D printer emissions initiate a bisphenol A-like phenotype in rat liver
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When rats breathed in fumes from 3D printers using polycarbonate plastic, their livers developed damage, including inflammation and altered fat metabolism, that closely resembled the harmful effects seen with bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical linked to hormone disruption. This suggests that 3D printer emissions may release BPA-like compounds that can harm your liver if inhaled, which is worth knowing if you use or work near these printers regularly, especially without proper ventilation.
Concerns with 3D filament fused fabrication (FFF) printer emissions have increased due to release of nanoplastic particles, plasticizers, and volatile mixtures. At present, few data exist examining polycarbonate emissions from 3D FFF printers and potential adverse health effects on liver following inhalation exposure. This study aimed to investigate hepatic toxicity following inhalation exposure to 3D FFF polycarbonate (PC) emissions in rats. It was postulated that increasing levels of inhaled 3D printer PC emissions initiate adverse liver histopathologic alterations associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid and sterol metabolism markers. Sprague-Dawley rats were whole-body exposed to 3D FFF PC emissions (2.42 mg particulate/m3) for 4 hr/day, 4 days/week for 1, 4, 8, 15, or 30 days. Liver tissue was assessed for changes in inflammation, oxidative stress, fatty acid, lipid, sterol metabolism, and adverse liver pathology. One day exposure resulted in altered inflammation, glucose, fatty acid, and sterol metabolism gene biomarkers in 3D FFF PC-exposed animals compared to HEPA filter controls. Following 8-day treatment, 3D FFF PC animals exhibited decreased glutathione S-transferase activity. After 30 days exposure, liver pathology characterized by dilated sinusoids, clear hepatocyte cytoplasm, and focal leukocyte infiltrate were detected in 3D FFF PC-exposed animals which were markedly similar to bisphenol A-induced liver alterations. Data suggest that bisphenol A levels in 3D FFF PC emissions may partially be responsible for observed adverse liver phenotype. This study informs future hazard characterization for 3D FFF PC- induced liver toxicity and implementing intervention practices for thermoplastic emissions in additive manufacturing applications.
More Papers Like This
Inhaled polycarbonate feedstock 3-D printer emissions initiate a bisphenol A-like phenotype in rat liver
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that when rats breathed in fumes from 3D printers using polycarbonate plastic, their livers developed damage strikingly similar to the effects of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical linked to hormone disruption and liver problems. This suggests that people who regularly use these 3D printers, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, may be inhaling BPA-related compounds that could harm liver health over time, highlighting a need for better ventilation and safety practices around 3D printing.
Inhaled polycarbonate feedstock 3-D printer emissions initiate a bisphenol A-like phenotype in rat liver
AI summary Read the abstract
Rats that breathed in fumes from 3D printers using polycarbonate plastic developed liver damage that looked strikingly similar to injuries caused by BPA, a chemical linked to hormone disruption and other health problems. The effects showed up quickly (within a day) and worsened over a month of exposure, suggesting that these printers may release BPA-like substances into the air that could pose real risks to people who use them regularly, especially in poorly ventilated spaces like homes or classrooms.
Neuroendocrine effects of inhaling emissions generated by 3-dimensional (3D)-printing with polycarbonate stock
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Researchers found that inhaling emissions from 3D printing with polycarbonate filament exposes users to respirable bisphenol A (BPA) at levels sufficient to disrupt neuroendocrine function, altering reproductive and metabolic hormone signaling in animal models.
Inhalation of polycarbonate emissions generated during 3D printing processes affects neuroendocrine function in male rats
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Researchers exposed male rats to emissions from polycarbonate 3D printing for up to 30 days and found significant neuroendocrine disruption, including reduced thyroid-stimulating hormone, FSH, and prolactin, along with olfactory bulb cell injury and decreased sperm precursor cells — effects similar to known bisphenol A exposure.
Assessment of pulmonary toxicity of inhaled polycarbonate 3D printer emissions in rats.
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Rats exposed to polycarbonate 3D printer emissions at 2.5 mg/m3 for up to 30 days showed no significant pulmonary inflammation or toxicity, with only mildly elevated protein and TIMP-1 levels in the 30-day group. Estimated alveolar deposition was 0.28 micrograms per day with limited evidence of macrophage uptake of deposited particles.
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