Assessing the Role of Advanced 3D Construction Printing in Alleviating Chronic Respiratory Diseases among Construction Personnel

Abstract

Despite the dangers faced by construction workers, on site the risks associated with inhaling dust and silica often go unnoticed possibly because their long-term effects take years to show. Unfortunately, by the time these effects are recognized lung damage is often irreversible. This study aims to address the issue of diseases among construction workers and explore how 3D printing in construction could potentially reduce the occurrence of these ailments. The research goals included identifying the causes of diseases in construction examining strategies to minimize exposure to dust and silica on site assessing the advantages of 3D printing in reducing such exposure investigating obstacles that hinder using 3D printing for this purpose and exploring strategies to promote wider adoption of construction 3D printing for mitigating long term respiratory diseases among workers. To achieve these objectives a thorough review of literature was conducted along with a survey and interviews with professionals and researchers in the field of 3D printing. These efforts aimed at gathering information to comprehend the intricacies of this emerging technology and its implications, for workers health.