UCLA

Compact laser cutters are growing in popularity and are used in a wide range of applications in many industries. Laser cutters can cut various types of materials, including metals, wood, plastics, and many others. Although many are equipped with fume extractors for removing airborne substance generated during laser cutting, there is a potential for gases and particulate matter to be released upon opening the lid after a cut has been completed. This presents the potential for laser-generated air contaminants (LGACs), in the form of particulate matter and chemical gases, into the workspace. Particulate matter refers to the solid and liquid particles suspended in the air which can be hazardous based on their size and composition. Real-time instruments were utilized to monitor both particulate concentration and size distributions, while the novel Tsai Diffusion Sampler (TDS) was used to collect particulate samples on a polycarbonate membrane and TEM grid. Preliminary detection of released gases consisted of the use of gas sampling with Teflon Gas Bags and followed with analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, a portable ambient infrared air analyzer was used to quantify the concentrations of the chemicals released by the laser cutting activities. Results of the study found that a significant concentration of particulate matter ranging 15.4 - 86 nm in particle sizes can be released each time the laser cutter lid is opened and were observed to gradually increase in concentration for a period at least 20 minutes after the completion of a cut. Because of the potential and unknown toxicity of nanoparticles emitted from laser cutting, it is important to understand the trends of nanoparticles released through laser cutting activities. The GC-MS gaseous samples primarily contained methyl methacrylate at a low level close to the detection limit of the infrared air analyzer.