When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicity Program has classified the chemical styrene as a human carcinogen. Mike Verespej of Plastics News reports that 50 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have now requested a review of styrene safety by the National Academies of Science (NAS) to clarify the science behind the decision.
Some companies are already experiencing negative effects of the reclassification, including higher worker compensation and insurance costs, and delays for investing because manufacturers may have to move outside the U.S. to operate, Verespej reports.
Styrene has numerous consumer and industrial applications. Verespej explains:
Styrene is used to manufacture products ranging from recreational boats to residential bathtubs and showers, building insulation and medical products, pollution control equipment to non-rusting highway bridges, and ballistic shields for the military.
The plastic polystyrene is used for food packaging, and that use has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
In a letter to White House Chief of Staff William Daley, 12 Democrats and 38 Republicans requested an “independent and rigorous review” by NAS to settle the public confusion about the potential health effects of styrene. Six weeks prior, the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) sent a similar letter to the White House, signed by 21 companies.
According to the Congressional letter:
A definite styrene carcinogenicity assessment from the … NAS would … allow the administration to base its regulatory decisions and hazard identification on the best available information.
Even if a review is conducted, it will take time, and companies are concerned about their futures. “The cancer warnings are out there and will remain out there until HHS changes its mind,” John Schweitzer, head of legislative affairs for ACMA, told Verespej. “Even if it is scientifically incorrect, if people are concerned about the cancer issues, I think all the manufacturing jobs [related to composites manufacturing] are at stake.”
Those jobs might move to Mexico, China, or other countries that have not classified styrene as a carcinogen. Health Canada concluded in 1994 that styrene is nontoxic, thus not requiring regulation. Europe Union scientists “have said styrene should not be classified, labeled or regulated as a carcinogen,” Verespej writes.
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