Using PLA Pure instead of PLA Basic for prototyping?

Bambu Filament and Accesories
22

Because I DIYed an exhaust system. For more details read this https://forum.bambulab.com/t/toxicity-of-filaments/10287/23?u=dwdesigns

You have HEPA air purifier and window opened. PETG and TPU are low to moderate risk. You probably should be fine. But it can depend on individuals’ sensitivity to pollutants.

I asked Google to list some common filaments by order of risk. Here’s it for future reference when you may print more types of filaments.

Filaments are ordered below from lowest to highest overall health risk. [1]

  1. Lowest Risk: PLA (Polylactic Acid)
  • Risk Level: Low
  • Why: Derived from renewable, plant-based materials (like cornstarch). It emits mostly harmless lactide vapors.
  • Concerns: Still emits some UFPs and trace VOCs. Printing at very high temperatures or using modified/colored PLA blends can increase particle and VOC emissions. [1, 2, 3]
  1. Low-Moderate Risk: PETG, TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
  • Risk Level: Moderate
  • Why: Both typically require higher printing temperatures than PLA, which produces slightly more UFPs. PETG produces fewer VOCs than other engineering plastics, but heating it can still emit airborne caprolactam or acetone traces.
  • Concerns: TPU releases mildly elevated particle counts during extrusion. Proper ventilation is recommended. [1, 2, 3]
  1. High Risk: Nylon / Carbon Fiber & Metal-Filled Filaments
  • Risk Level: High
  • Why: Nylon releases caprolactam, a known VOC that causes respiratory and eye irritation.
  • Concerns: Filaments with additives (chopped carbon fibers, metal particles, or carbon nanotubes) can release micro-particulate dust and pose unique inhalation or dermal risks during handling and extrusion. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
  1. Highest Risk: ABS, ASA, and HIPS
  • Risk Level: Severe
  • Why: ABS and ASA (which are petroleum-based) are classified by health agencies as high emitters of dangerous VOCs, primarily styrene (a probable human carcinogen) and acrylonitrile. [1, 2]
  • Concerns: These filaments produce massive volumes of UFPs and volatile organic compounds. They should only be printed in well-ventilated areas or enclosed spaces with exhaust venting. [1, 2, 3, 4]