Assessing the Occupational and Environmental Risks of Resin-Based 3D Printing in Dental Clinics: Airborne Chemical Emissions and Mitigation Strategies
Main Article Content
Abstract
Resin-based 3D printing has become a pivotal technology in digital dentistry, enabling the production of highly customised dental models, prostheses, and orthodontic devices. Despite its advantages, the adoption of this technology raises significant occupational and environmental concerns due to the emission of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter, which can negatively impact indoor air quality and the health of dental professionals. This literature review synthesises findings from existing research to assess the airborne hazards associated with resin-based 3D printing in dental clinics. It identifies the types and concentrations of emissions, explores their health implications, and evaluates strategies to mitigate associated risks. Recommendations include the implementation of enhanced ventilation systems, advanced air filtration technologies, and best practices for material handling and disposal. The review also highlights the need for safer printing materials and improved emission monitoring systems to further safeguard dental professionals and their work environments as the field evolves.
Keywords:
3D printing in dentistry; resin-based materials; dental clinic safety; airborne emissions in dental settings; VOCs in dental 3D printing
Article Details
How to Cite
NULTY, Adam Brian.
Assessing the Occupational and Environmental Risks of Resin-Based 3D Printing in Dental Clinics: Airborne Chemical Emissions and Mitigation Strategies.
Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 12, n. 12, dec. 2024.
ISSN 2375-1924.
Available at: <https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/6043>. Date accessed: 06 jan. 2025.
doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v12i12.6043.
Section
Research Articles
The Medical Research Archives grants authors the right to publish and reproduce the unrevised contribution in whole or in part at any time and in any form for any scholarly non-commercial purpose with the condition that all publications of the contribution include a full citation to the journal as published by the Medical Research Archives.
References
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13. Do AV, Khorsand B, Geary SM, Salem AK. 3D Printing of Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration Applications. Adv Healthc Mater. 2015 Aug 26;4 (12):1742-62. doi: 10.1002/adhm.201500168. Epub 2015 Jun 10. PMID: 26097108; PMCID: PMC4597 933.
14. Katakam P, Bhavaraju MLR, Narayana TV, Bhandari K, Sriram N, Sisinty VS, Adiki SK. Navigating the Challenges of 3D Printing Personalized Medicine in Space Explorations: A Comprehensive Review. Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst. 2024;41(6):89-110. doi: 10.1615/CritRevTherDrugCarrierSyst.2024051126. PMID: 38804555.
15. Viitanen AK, Kallonen K, Kukko K, Kanerva T, Saukko E, Hussein T, Hämeri K, Säämänen A. Technical control of nanoparticle emissions from desktop 3D printing. Indoor Air. 2021 Jul;31(4): 1061-1071. doi: 10.1111/ina.12791. Epub 2021 Mar 1. PMID: 33647162.
16. Arif ZU, Khalid MY, Noroozi R, Sadeghianmaryan A, Jalalvand M, Hossain M. Recent advances in 3D-printed polylactide and polycaprolactone-based biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. Int J Biol Macromol. 2022 Oct 1;218:930-968. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbioma c.2022.07.140. Epub 2022 Jul 24. PMID: 35896130.
17. Väisänen A, Alonen L, Ylönen S, Hyttinen M. Organic compound and particle emissions of additive manufacturing with photopolymer resins and chemical outgassing of manufactured resin products. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2022 Mar 4;85(5):198-216. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2021.199 8814. Epub 2021 Nov 11. PMID: 34763622.
18. Farcas MT, McKinney W, Qi C, Mandler KW, Battelli L, Friend SA, Stefaniak AB, Jackson M, Orandle M, Winn A, Kashon M, LeBouf RF, Russ KA, Hammond DR, Burns D, Ranpara A, Thomas TA, Matheson J, Qian Y. Pulmonary and systemic toxicity in rats following inhalation exposure of 3-D printer emissions from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament. Inhal Toxicol. 2020 Sep-Oct;32(11-12):403-418. doi: 10.1080/08958378.2020.1834034. Epub 2020 Oct 20. PMID: 33076715; PMCID: PMC7673646.
19. Shuaib et al, Impact of 3D Printing on the environment: A literature-based study, Sustainable Operations and Computers, Volume 2, 2021, Pages 57-63, ISSN 2666-4127, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2021.04.001.
20. Shujaat S, Bornstein MM, Price JB, Jacobs R. Integration of imaging modalities in digital dental workflows - possibilities, limitations, and potential future developments. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2021 Oct 1;50(7):20210268. doi: 10.1259/dmfr.20210268. Epub 2021 Sep 14. PMID: 34520239; PMCID: PMC8474138.
21. Kangas A, Kukko K, Kanerva T, Säämänen A, Akmal JS, Partanen J, Viitanen AK. Workplace Exposure Measurements of Emission from Industrial 3D Printing. Ann Work Expo Health. 2023 Jun 6;67(5):596-608. doi: 10.1093/annweh/wxad006. PMID: 36869756; PMCID: PMC10243937.
22. Tian Y, Chen C, Xu X, Wang J, Hou X, Li K, Lu X, Shi H, Lee ES, Jiang HB. A Review of 3D Printing in Dentistry: Technologies, Affecting Factors, and Applications. Scanning. 2021 Jul 17;2021:99 50131. doi: 10.1155/2021/9950131. PMID: 3436 7410; PMCID: PMC8313360.
23. Liu MH, Chen CT, Chuang LC, Lin WM, Wan GH. Removal efficiency of central vacuum system and protective masks to suspended particles from dental treatment. PLoS One. 2019 Nov 26;14(11): e0225644. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225644. PMID: 31770413; PMCID: PMC6879156.
24. Park JH, Lee H, Kim JW, Kim JH. Cytocompatibility of 3D printed dental materials for temporary restorations on fibroblasts. BMC Oral Health. 2020 Jun 1;20(1):157. doi: 10.1186/ s12903-020-01150-2. PMID: 32487153; PMCID: PMC7268758.
25. Jeong M, Radomski K, Lopez D, Liu JT, Lee JD, Lee SJ. Materials and Applications of 3D Printing Technology in Dentistry: An Overview. Dent J (Basel). 2023 Dec 19;12(1):1. doi: 10.3390/ dj12010001. PMID: 38275676; PMCID: PMC108 14684.
26. Voet VSD, Guit J, Loos K. Sustainable Photopolymers in 3D Printing: A Review on Biobased, Biodegradable, and Recyclable Alternatives. Macromol Rapid Commun. 2021 Feb;42(3):e200 0475. doi: 10.1002/marc.202000475. Epub 2020 Nov 18. PMID: 33205556.
27. Nadagouda MN, Ginn M, Rastogi V. A review of 3D printing techniques for environmental applications. Curr Opin Chem Eng. 2020;28:173-178. doi: 10.1016/j.coche.2020.08.002. PMID: 343 27115; PMCID: PMC8318092.
28. Chýlek R, Kudela L, Pospíšil J, Šnajdárek L. Parameters Influencing the Emission of Ultrafine Particles during 3D Printing. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 6;18(21):11670. doi: 10.3390/ijer ph182111670. PMID: 34770184; PMCID: PMC858 2798.
29. Rogers HB, Zhou LT, Kusuhara A, Zaniker E, Shafaie S, Owen BC, Duncan FE, Woodruff TK. Dental resins used in 3D printing technologies release ovo-toxic leachates. Chemosphere. 2021 May;270: 129003. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129003. Epub 2020 Dec 7. PMID: 33515896; PMCID: PMC7957323.
30. Taştan, M.; Gökozan, H. Real-Time Monitoring of Indoor Air Quality with Internet of Things-Based E-Nose. Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 3435. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9163435
31. Tian Y, Chen C, Xu X, Wang J, Hou X, Li K, Lu X, Shi H, Lee ES, Jiang HB. A Review of 3D Printing in Dentistry: Technologies, Affecting Factors, and Applications. Scanning. 2021 Jul 17;2021:9950131. doi: 10.1155/2021/9950131. PMID: 34367410; PMCID: PMC8313360.
32. Spagnuolo G, Sorrentino R. The Role of Digital Devices in Dentistry: Clinical Trends and Scientific Evidences. J Clin Med. 2020 Jun 2;9(6):1692. doi: 10.3390/jcm9061692. PMID: 32498277; PMCID: PMC7356564.
33. Shinkai RSA, Biazevic MGH, Michel-Crosato E, de Campos TT. Environmental sustainability related to dental materials and procedures in prosthodontics: A critical review. J Prosthet Dent. 2023 Sep 12:S0022-3913(23)00370-0. doi: 10.1016 /j.prosdent.2023.05.024. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37709614.
34. Author 1, A.B. Title of Thesis. Level of Thesis, Degree-Granting University, Location of University, Date of Completion.
35. Title of Site. Available online: URL (accessed on Day Month Year).
2. Nulty A. A comparison of trueness and precision of 12 3D printers used in dentistry. BDJ Open. 2022 May 26;8(1):14. doi: 10.1038/s41405-022-00108-6. PMID: 35618716; PMCID: PMC9135 705.
3. Yu X, Li G, Zheng Y, Gao J, Fu Y, Wang Q, Huang L, Pan X, Ding J. 'Invisible' orthodontics by polymeric 'clear' aligners molded on 3D-printed personalized dental models. Regen Biomater. 2022 Feb 4;9(1):rbac007. doi: 10.1093/rb/rbac007. PMID: 35414958; PMCID: PMC8992363.
4. Marturello DM, Déjardin LM. Post-sterilization Dimensional Accuracy of Methacrylate Monomer Biocompatible Three-Dimensionally Printed Mock Surgical Guides. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2023 Nov;36(6):279-286. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1768991. Epub 2023 Jun 16. PMID: 37327880.
5. Prpić V, Schauperl Z, Ćatić A, Dulčić N, Čimić S. Comparison of Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed, CAD/CAM, and Conventional Denture Base Materials. J Prosthodont. 2020 Jul;29(6):524-528. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13175. Epub 2020 Apr 20. PMID: 32270904.
6. Steinle P. Characterization of emissions from a desktop 3D printer and indoor air measurements in office settings. J Occup Environ Hyg. 2016;13 (2):121-32. doi: 10.1080/15459624.2015.1091957. PMID: 26550911.
7. Pham YL, Wojnowski W, Beauchamp J. Volatile Compound Emissions from Stereolithography Three-Dimensional Printed Cured Resin Models for Biomedical Applications. Chem Res Toxicol. 2023 Mar 20;36(3):369-379. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemresto x.2c00317. Epub 2022 Dec 19. PMID: 36534374.
8. Wallach R, English JD, Moon A, Brock RA 2nd, Paravina RD, Kasper FK. Colour stability of 3D-Printed orthodontic brackets using filled resins. Orthod Craniofac Res. 2023 Dec;26 Suppl 1:180-187. doi: 10.1111/ocr.12665. Epub 2023 Apr 23. PMID: 37089069.
9. Egan PF, Gonella VC, Engensperger M, Ferguson SJ, Shea K. Computationally designed lattices with tuned properties for tissue engineering using 3D printing. PLoS One. 2017 Aug 10;12(8): e0182902. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182902. PMID: 28797066; PMCID: PMC5552288.
10. Alenezi A, Yehya M. Evaluating the Accuracy of Dental Restorations Manufactured by Two CAD/CAM Milling Systems and Their Prototypes Fabricated by 3D Printing Methods: An In Vitro Study. Int J Prosthodont. 2023 May-June;36(3):293-300. doi: 10.11607/ijp.7633. PMID: 34919097.
11. Nulty A, Lefkaditis C, Zachrisson P, Van Tonder Q, Yar R. A clinical study measuring dental aerosols with and without a high-volume extraction device. Br Dent J. 2020 Nov 20:1–8. doi: 10.103 8/s41415-020-2274-3. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33184481; PMCID: PMC7658616.
12. Goracci C, Juloski J, D'Amico C, Balestra D, Volpe A, Juloski J, Vichi A. Clinically Relevant Properties of 3D Printable Materials for Intraoral Use in Orthodontics: A Critical Review of the Literature. Materials (Basel). 2023 Mar 8;16(6):2166. doi: 10.3390/ma16062166. PMID: 36984045; PMCID: PMC10058724.
13. Do AV, Khorsand B, Geary SM, Salem AK. 3D Printing of Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration Applications. Adv Healthc Mater. 2015 Aug 26;4 (12):1742-62. doi: 10.1002/adhm.201500168. Epub 2015 Jun 10. PMID: 26097108; PMCID: PMC4597 933.
14. Katakam P, Bhavaraju MLR, Narayana TV, Bhandari K, Sriram N, Sisinty VS, Adiki SK. Navigating the Challenges of 3D Printing Personalized Medicine in Space Explorations: A Comprehensive Review. Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst. 2024;41(6):89-110. doi: 10.1615/CritRevTherDrugCarrierSyst.2024051126. PMID: 38804555.
15. Viitanen AK, Kallonen K, Kukko K, Kanerva T, Saukko E, Hussein T, Hämeri K, Säämänen A. Technical control of nanoparticle emissions from desktop 3D printing. Indoor Air. 2021 Jul;31(4): 1061-1071. doi: 10.1111/ina.12791. Epub 2021 Mar 1. PMID: 33647162.
16. Arif ZU, Khalid MY, Noroozi R, Sadeghianmaryan A, Jalalvand M, Hossain M. Recent advances in 3D-printed polylactide and polycaprolactone-based biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. Int J Biol Macromol. 2022 Oct 1;218:930-968. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbioma c.2022.07.140. Epub 2022 Jul 24. PMID: 35896130.
17. Väisänen A, Alonen L, Ylönen S, Hyttinen M. Organic compound and particle emissions of additive manufacturing with photopolymer resins and chemical outgassing of manufactured resin products. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2022 Mar 4;85(5):198-216. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2021.199 8814. Epub 2021 Nov 11. PMID: 34763622.
18. Farcas MT, McKinney W, Qi C, Mandler KW, Battelli L, Friend SA, Stefaniak AB, Jackson M, Orandle M, Winn A, Kashon M, LeBouf RF, Russ KA, Hammond DR, Burns D, Ranpara A, Thomas TA, Matheson J, Qian Y. Pulmonary and systemic toxicity in rats following inhalation exposure of 3-D printer emissions from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament. Inhal Toxicol. 2020 Sep-Oct;32(11-12):403-418. doi: 10.1080/08958378.2020.1834034. Epub 2020 Oct 20. PMID: 33076715; PMCID: PMC7673646.
19. Shuaib et al, Impact of 3D Printing on the environment: A literature-based study, Sustainable Operations and Computers, Volume 2, 2021, Pages 57-63, ISSN 2666-4127, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2021.04.001.
20. Shujaat S, Bornstein MM, Price JB, Jacobs R. Integration of imaging modalities in digital dental workflows - possibilities, limitations, and potential future developments. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2021 Oct 1;50(7):20210268. doi: 10.1259/dmfr.20210268. Epub 2021 Sep 14. PMID: 34520239; PMCID: PMC8474138.
21. Kangas A, Kukko K, Kanerva T, Säämänen A, Akmal JS, Partanen J, Viitanen AK. Workplace Exposure Measurements of Emission from Industrial 3D Printing. Ann Work Expo Health. 2023 Jun 6;67(5):596-608. doi: 10.1093/annweh/wxad006. PMID: 36869756; PMCID: PMC10243937.
22. Tian Y, Chen C, Xu X, Wang J, Hou X, Li K, Lu X, Shi H, Lee ES, Jiang HB. A Review of 3D Printing in Dentistry: Technologies, Affecting Factors, and Applications. Scanning. 2021 Jul 17;2021:99 50131. doi: 10.1155/2021/9950131. PMID: 3436 7410; PMCID: PMC8313360.
23. Liu MH, Chen CT, Chuang LC, Lin WM, Wan GH. Removal efficiency of central vacuum system and protective masks to suspended particles from dental treatment. PLoS One. 2019 Nov 26;14(11): e0225644. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225644. PMID: 31770413; PMCID: PMC6879156.
24. Park JH, Lee H, Kim JW, Kim JH. Cytocompatibility of 3D printed dental materials for temporary restorations on fibroblasts. BMC Oral Health. 2020 Jun 1;20(1):157. doi: 10.1186/ s12903-020-01150-2. PMID: 32487153; PMCID: PMC7268758.
25. Jeong M, Radomski K, Lopez D, Liu JT, Lee JD, Lee SJ. Materials and Applications of 3D Printing Technology in Dentistry: An Overview. Dent J (Basel). 2023 Dec 19;12(1):1. doi: 10.3390/ dj12010001. PMID: 38275676; PMCID: PMC108 14684.
26. Voet VSD, Guit J, Loos K. Sustainable Photopolymers in 3D Printing: A Review on Biobased, Biodegradable, and Recyclable Alternatives. Macromol Rapid Commun. 2021 Feb;42(3):e200 0475. doi: 10.1002/marc.202000475. Epub 2020 Nov 18. PMID: 33205556.
27. Nadagouda MN, Ginn M, Rastogi V. A review of 3D printing techniques for environmental applications. Curr Opin Chem Eng. 2020;28:173-178. doi: 10.1016/j.coche.2020.08.002. PMID: 343 27115; PMCID: PMC8318092.
28. Chýlek R, Kudela L, Pospíšil J, Šnajdárek L. Parameters Influencing the Emission of Ultrafine Particles during 3D Printing. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 6;18(21):11670. doi: 10.3390/ijer ph182111670. PMID: 34770184; PMCID: PMC858 2798.
29. Rogers HB, Zhou LT, Kusuhara A, Zaniker E, Shafaie S, Owen BC, Duncan FE, Woodruff TK. Dental resins used in 3D printing technologies release ovo-toxic leachates. Chemosphere. 2021 May;270: 129003. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129003. Epub 2020 Dec 7. PMID: 33515896; PMCID: PMC7957323.
30. Taştan, M.; Gökozan, H. Real-Time Monitoring of Indoor Air Quality with Internet of Things-Based E-Nose. Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 3435. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9163435
31. Tian Y, Chen C, Xu X, Wang J, Hou X, Li K, Lu X, Shi H, Lee ES, Jiang HB. A Review of 3D Printing in Dentistry: Technologies, Affecting Factors, and Applications. Scanning. 2021 Jul 17;2021:9950131. doi: 10.1155/2021/9950131. PMID: 34367410; PMCID: PMC8313360.
32. Spagnuolo G, Sorrentino R. The Role of Digital Devices in Dentistry: Clinical Trends and Scientific Evidences. J Clin Med. 2020 Jun 2;9(6):1692. doi: 10.3390/jcm9061692. PMID: 32498277; PMCID: PMC7356564.
33. Shinkai RSA, Biazevic MGH, Michel-Crosato E, de Campos TT. Environmental sustainability related to dental materials and procedures in prosthodontics: A critical review. J Prosthet Dent. 2023 Sep 12:S0022-3913(23)00370-0. doi: 10.1016 /j.prosdent.2023.05.024. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37709614.
34. Author 1, A.B. Title of Thesis. Level of Thesis, Degree-Granting University, Location of University, Date of Completion.
35. Title of Site. Available online: URL (accessed on Day Month Year).