Center member Thomas Gluodenis, PhD, and Kemberly Stephens, DM, of Lincoln University of PA were awarded $25,000 for their pilot project, Assessing Childhood Exposure to Toxic Metals During 3-D Printing.
Thomas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics. He has a background in forensic science and toxicology with specific training in metals analysis and heavy metal toxicity. Kemberly is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Mass Communication with a practical background in advertising, media buying, and public relations. As Co-PI on the project, Kemberly will direct the translational aspect of the project.
The objectives of the study are to:
- Determine the potential for childhood oral exposure to toxic metals through inadvertent hand to mouth transfer of polymer dust generated from 3-D printing of colored polymer filaments.
- Determine the potential for childhood inhalation exposure to toxic metals volatilized by the printer’s heated extruder during the 3-D printing of colored polymer filaments
- Inform the public and the scientific community of potential hazards identified through this study related to children’s environmental health and 3-D printing.
This is the fourth award given by the Philadelphia Regional Center for Children’s Environmental Health as part of their Development Pilot Projects to support innovative children’s environmental health research. Previously awarded projects include:
- Understanding the mechanism by which gestational exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals alters children’s health. Principal Investigator: Thea Golden, PharmD, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
- Examining and communicating the role of neighborhood and diet in the study of endocrine disrupting chemicals and child neurodevelopment. Principal Investigator: Kristen Lyall, ScD, Drexel University
- Chronic lung disease and environmental air pollution and temperature related outcomes. Principal Investigator: Timothy Nelin, MD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Lincoln University of PA is the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU).