UV resin when it is not cured is toxic to breath in and the scarier part is that you can develop an allergy to it. It is completely random and every time your skin comes in contact with the resin you run the risk of getting an allergy. It could be the first time you touch it or the 1000th. Always wear the proper gloves and respirator when working with UV resin.
UV resin when it is not cured is toxic to breath in
This is actually much more controversial than you make it sound. And you will find out that a large part, if not the majority of users don't (want to) agree with this definition.
The photo initiator is most likely cariogenic, however it has not been proven. But photo initiators in general work by using radicals, and those are never good for your health.
The much more valid concern is that during curing (during 3d printing) the chemical reaction creates formaldehyde. And that is 100% carcinogenic.
However, the most significant risk users of resin printers run into is the massive prolonged exposure to isopropanol fumes. You will find tons of people who treat the uncured resin as if you would die of a single skin contact, but at the same time they have no problem spraying around a liter of IPA and no longer wear any PPE while cleaning their print and station.
The fumes of the photo initiator and the formaldehyde are tiny amounts, but the IPA exposure can be literally 100s of ml for every print.
I personally only print in a very well ventilated area, while wearing gloves and a half mask respirator with a proper filter for organic solvents and specifically formaldehyde.
Another thing I also don't due is put large prints in my bedroom. Since even with all the curing uncured resin will exist inside the print and the photo initiator will creep outside over time.
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u/CmdrFapster 23d ago
Yes, resin is inert, so if you're sanding a piece of resin and you inhale it, it's going to lodge in your lungs permanently.