Study: 3-D Printing Materials May Be Toxic

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (CBS Sacramento) -- The materials created by 3-D printers may contain toxic chemicals, according to new research.

University of California, Riverside researchers found that 3-D materials were dangerous to certain species of fish embryo, as reported by Tech Times.

The discovery was first made by study researcher Shirin Mesbah Oskui, who says baby fish were accidentally killed after using a 3-D printed disk to assist in analyzing zebrafish embryo.

Oskui and her fellow researchers then looked at two types of 3-D printers to analyze the possible harmful effects. The printers were Dimension Elite printer made by Stratasys and a Form 1+ stereolithography printer.

The findings suggest that both printers were toxic to fish embryos, but that parts from the Form 1+ printer posed more threats.

Researchers were also able to create a treatment to the printed materials to reduce levels of toxicity, including exposure to ultraviolet light. They urge the public to be aware of the printer's possible harmful effects to other living things.

Study adviser Assistant Professor William Grover says he and the team hope to investigate more questions regarding the harmful effects of 3-D printers, such as chemicals going into waterways and material disposal.

"Many people, including myself, are excited about 3-D printing," Grover told Tech Times. "But, we really need to take a step back and ask: how safe are these materials?"