Construction 3D-printing in reducing the incidence of long latency respiratory diseases among construction workers in the UK

Abstract

Onsite construction workers are exposed to many hazards which affect their body. However, dust and silica dust inhalation are often overlooked, most likely because it takes years to identify the side effects. The damage inflicted to the lungs is often irreversible as it is often discovered when it is too late. The aim of this research is to address the problem of occupational respiratory diseases among construction workers and investigate the potential of construction 3D printing in reducing the incidence of some of these diseases. The research objectives were to: identify the causes of the most prevalent respiratory diseases in construction; investigate the strategies of minimising onsite dust/ silica dust exposure; investigate the benefits of 3D printing in the minimisation of onsite dust/ silica dust exposure; explore the barriers of 3D printing in the minimisation of onsite dust/ silica dust exposure and explore the strategies for wider adoption of construction 3D printing to minimise the incidence of long latency respiratory diseases among construction workers. To achieve these objectives, a literature review was conducted, an online survey was carried out and professionals and researchers in the 3D printing field were interviewed to obtain relevant information to understand the intricacies of the new technology and its impact from workers’ health perspectives.