Environmental, health, and safety issues related to the production and use of cadmium telluride photovoltaic modules
- Brookhaven National Labs., Upton, NY (United States); and others
This paper examines environmental, health and safety issues associated with the production and use of cadmium telluride photovoltaic modules; some of the discussions also apply to the use of cadmium sulfide in copper indium diselenide photovoltaic modules. Handling of cadmium and tellurium in photovoltaic module production can present hazards to health, safety and the environment. Prior recognition of these hazards can allow device manufacturers time to implement appropriate hazard management strategies. The most important health hazards are probably related to chronic low-level exposures to cadmium, especially to workers in manufacturing facilities. Because of the long latency period associated with the development of health effects arising from such exposures, and the availability of environmental and biomonitoring protocols, such hazards can be monitored and controlled. The true hazard presented by cadmium telluride is very uncertain because characterizations of its inherent biological toxicity are based on extrapolation of data from other cadmium compounds. Technical and institutional mechanisms for the recycling of spent cadmium telluride modules are needed to ensure public acceptance of this material option and to eliminate expensive disposal costs. 45 refs., 6 figs., 10 tabs.
- OSTI ID:
- 460403
- Journal Information:
- Advances in Solar Energy, Journal Name: Advances in Solar Energy Vol. 10; ISSN ASOED9; ISSN 0731-8618
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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