NIOSH Conducts Research on Safety and Health Hazards in Additive Manufacturing

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting extensive research to identify and mitigate safety and health risks associated with the rapid expansion of additive manufacturing. As 3D printing transitions from prototyping to full-scale production in sectors like aerospace and medical, workers face potential exposure to various occupational hazards. This initiative is critical for the industry as it seeks to establish standardized safety protocols and ensure the responsible deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies.

Additive manufacturing, which includes processes such as fused filament fabrication, vat polymerization, and powder bed fusion, is increasingly utilized across the automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, and consumer markets. While these technologies offer significant production advantages, they also introduce a variety of occupational hazards that depend on the specific materials and environments used. NIOSH is currently performing research to understand and minimize these potential health and safety risks to workers as the technology moves from prototyping into broader production environments.

To address these risks, NIOSH has established a multi-pillared research strategy focused on identifying knowledge gaps and developing robust science to protect the workforce. One primary pillar involves traditional laboratory-based research designed to solve major safety problems and answer key questions regarding safe additive manufacturing. The second pillar consists of comprehensive exposure assessments conducted by the NIOSH Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Field Studies Team, which has performed fieldwork at ten different additive manufacturing sites to evaluate real-world technology use and exposure levels.

Beyond research, NIOSH is actively producing educational resources, including a new Additive Manufacturing Health Safety video series aimed at both industry professionals and home hobbyists. These videos provide overviews of common hazards, control strategies, and available NIOSH resources to help users manage risks effectively. The agency is also offering facility visits and inviting industry collaboration to continue filling knowledge gaps as emerging technologies evolve, fulfilling its mandate under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to empower employers and workers in creating safe environments.