If you are interested in 3D printing, you already probably know about the usage of resin 3D in printing. However, most people are not aware of the health issues created by the 3D printing resins. Even though 3D printing has been introduced in many schools and homes in the last few years, people still do not generally talk about its health risks. So, is 3D printing resin toxic?
The resin used in 3D printing is highly toxic. It not only affects the people using it but also creates an impact on the surrounding environment. Anyone exposed to the resin can develop serious health issues. In addition, improper usage of 3D printing resin can cause harm to animals as well as the environment.
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Why is the resin so toxic?
The chemical properties of 3D printing resin make it so toxic to people and the environment. During the 3D printing process, the machine uses UV rays on the resin to harden it. This process is known as curing. Until the entire curing process is over, the resin is very toxic to touch. There is no doubt that the curing process is faster and more efficient than any other 3D printing methods. However, it is also more harmful to the users than the other printing materials. While using resin for 3D printing, you need to limit your exposure to the actual substance. It would be best if you made sure that the resin does not touch your skin. Prolonged exposure to resin can lead to severe skin complications. Having said that, if you accidentally come in contact with the resin, you would be fine. However, it would help if you avoided not being exposed to 3D printing resin regularly. If you use resin to fulfil your 3D printing purposes, you need to practice prevention.
Why don’t people talk about the harmful effects of resin?
The main reason why people do not talk much about the health issues that resin generates is that they are not aware of it. In the advent of 3D printing, the equipment required for printing models was costly. As a result, 3D printing was only conducted in industrial sites. However, all these companies that use 3D printing were well aware of the resin pose’s health risks. That’s why they were able to take adequate action against the health risks.
As the cost of the 3D printing machines plummeted, the printers became more accessible to the general people. The reduced price range of the 3D printing machine has helped it to become much more mainstream. These days, people have started to adopt 3D printing machines in different domains, like schools, small offices, and homes. The problem is the health concern’s regarding the 3D printing machine never spread, even after the widespread adoption of this machine. So, not many people who use 3D printing machines these days are aware of the resin’s toxicity. This lack of knowledge and understanding is probably the most potent cause of the harmful resin accidents in the 3D printing hobbyist community. The resin printing material, as well as the process itself, are incredibly toxic. However, the fact that people do not know about their toxicity makes the situation much worse.
How dangerous is resin?
Now, after reading all this, if you are wondering about what might happen to you if you use resin without adhering to the safety recommendations, you need to check out the following points.
The danger mostly depends on the type of resin you use. It also depends on the safety regulations you do not follow and how quickly you respond when an accident happens. Generally, working with resin without gloves can lead to mild skin irritation. You can solve this problem by washing your hands with water and soap. However, if you are dealing with resin for the first time, you may not experience a skin reaction at all. However, the skin resistance to resin generally decreases over time and leads to severe reactions, such as blisters and skin burns.
If you choose to skip the eye protection, you can accidentally rub your eyes while dealing with resin, or the resin can get splashed into your eyes. These incidents can cause eye irritation. Rinsing your eyes with water for several minutes can solve this issue and give you some relief. Having said that, if you think that your symptoms are much more severe, then you should not wait and seek medical attention right away.
How To Work Safe With Resin
Now, the biggest issue is how you can safely use resin without undermining your safety. In the following section, we have gathered some safety recommendations you can follow while dealing with resin 3D printing material.
Wear Protective Headgear
As you will be working with wet raisin, cured resin, and isopropyl alcohol, you need to think about protecting your eyes. All of these materials, as mentioned earlier, can splash around. That is why you need to wear eye protection while working with these elements. Using UV resistant glasses is the best option. If you already have a protective glasses, you can check whether it is UV resistant or not.
Wear Protective Gloves
You should never touch the resin materials without wearing protective gloves. While some require nitride gloves, latex gloves can also offer you the required protection. You can also get in touch with the manufacturers of resin 3D printers to check out whether the gloves of your choice provide the necessary protection. However, the hardened resin prints are safe, and you can safely touch them with your bare hands.
Ventilation
As 3D printing machines generate toxic fumes while working, you should always choose a well-ventilated space. If you do not have such a place in your home, make sure to install an air extraction system in the area where you have installed your 3D printing machine.
Closed Shoes
While dealing with resin, it is a good idea to wear closed shoes. The shoes protect your feet from the droplets of resin that can cause severe skin reactions.
There is no doubt that 3D printing is one of the most innovative and wonderful hobbies. It is also an excellent way to secure some additional income. However, it would be best to know about your safety while working with the 3D printers. There are different kinds of resins available in the market. Make sure to know the precautionary measures you should take against each one before working with them.
