Work

Skin, Clothing, and Surface Contamination with Metals at a Powder Additive Manufacturing Facility

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Powder bed fusion (PBF) and directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing use feedstock powders that contain metals associated with skin diseases. We performed a survey of surface contamination and limited task-based dermal exposure assessment (four employees) at a PBF and DED facility. Skin wipes of wrists for two employees in the PBF room had higher post-task levels of chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, and nickel. Personal clothing worn by PBF employees showed evidence of contamination with metals as did personal protective equipment (PPE). Microscopy analysis documented contamination of metals throughout most areas of the facility. Levels of metals on surfaces throughout the facility were (ng/cm2) <5.0–7247 (aluminum), <0.2–4899 (chromium),

Source: Safety

DOI: 10.3390/safety12020054

Authors: Aleksandr B. Stefaniak, Elizabeth D. Brusak, Lauren N. Bowers, Austin Kron, Sherri A. Friend, M. Abbas Virji

Institution: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Safety in Workplaces

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172