I recently purchased a 3d printer, and I looked for articles talking about the risks associated with PLA fumes. This article[1] seems to be popularly cited, which includes the statement "PLA doesn’t look like a problem." I think this is what in my experience has been largely the sentiment when I have asked around, and read forum posts about the topic. At my local library there is a makerlab space, they are free to use and they basically run them non-stop uncovered in the room.
One of the other points I found interesting was that someone mentioned that a lot of the printers are manufactured in China where there isn't as much regulation around required safety warnings. However, NIOSH does have a short page[2] on 3d printer safety.
In my mind as a new hobbyist it seems like the combination of two issues.
1. The way 3d printers are currently designed and marketed is primarily an open-air style that can be used just out of the box. Enclosures are usually at least as much as a consumer level printer, and you need to have a way to vent it to the outside.
2. The thinking from the community is largely "PLA doesn't look like a problem" and only use an enclosure for ABS and more toxic materials.
I understand the comments around hobbyists shouldn't be the ones designing filtration systems, but it does seem reasonable to
[1] - https://hackaday.com/2016/02/01/3d-printing-fumes-new-scienc...
[2] - https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/newsroom/feature/2022print3D.html
One of the other points I found interesting was that someone mentioned that a lot of the printers are manufactured in China where there isn't as much regulation around required safety warnings. However, NIOSH does have a short page[2] on 3d printer safety.
In my mind as a new hobbyist it seems like the combination of two issues.
1. The way 3d printers are currently designed and marketed is primarily an open-air style that can be used just out of the box. Enclosures are usually at least as much as a consumer level printer, and you need to have a way to vent it to the outside.
2. The thinking from the community is largely "PLA doesn't look like a problem" and only use an enclosure for ABS and more toxic materials.
I understand the comments around hobbyists shouldn't be the ones designing filtration systems, but it does seem reasonable to
[1] - https://hackaday.com/2016/02/01/3d-printing-fumes-new-scienc...
[2] - https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/newsroom/feature/2022print3D.html