Do you know about 3D printers? A 3D printer is a machine that produces three dimensional objects based on a floor plan. The 3D printer industry has continued to evolve while the prices have been dropping, making them more universal even in ordinary households. However, while offering usefulness and convenience to humans, danger can occur by using a 3D printer so we should be cautious.

The government and the education office launched a supply project to the extent that teachers, students, as well as parents could experience 3D printers. However, two  teachers who frequently used 3D printers in classes at a science high school in Gyeonggi-do Province were revealed to have developed a series of rare cancers recently. It left one teacher dead. According to the researchers, carcinogens were detected in materials used in the 3D printers.

In the 3D printer incident it appears that there are problems and therefore measures to be taken. First of all, the government knew about the "cancerous substance" warning from the 3D printer but did not disclose it. Due to this problem, it is necessary to prepare safety mangagement measures for schools having 3D printers and there should be accurate marking of harmful substances.

Furthermore, most 3D printers are operated indoors so the pollutants and fine dusts that are generated during work can pile up. In order to minimize the harmful effects from pollutants and fine dusts, it is important to follow the rules such as wearing masks, ventilating the lab from time to time, and installing ventilation facilities such as air cleaners. Workshop exposure time should be minimized by separating the workroom and the training room.

The risk of 3D printers has now been certified, requiring special attention from now on. It is also necessary when producing 3D printers to regulate the use of unreliable materials which cause disease. Making human life convenient with technology like 3D printer is a positive aspect for us, but we should be more careful of safety when we use them. Let's consider the hidden aspects instead of just thinking about their convenience!

L.L.F reporter Su-bin Song