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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Health and safety issues of alternate energy systems

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5632765
An evaluation of potential occupational and public health aspects of geothermal, biomass, solar, and fossil energy technologies has been performed. Identification of potentially hazardous processes of each fuel cycle has been made, as well as development of quantitative evaluation when necessary data were available. Occupational exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas occurs near all geothermal sites. Principal health and safety considerations of biomass pathways are directly related to the diffuse nature of solar energy fixation by photosynthesis and subsequent transfer to animal food chains. Unique hazards associated with solar energy include occupational exposures to Cd and As during manufacture of photovoltaic cells. Potential occupational hazards during production of synfuels from coal and oil shale include accidents and disease resulting from ore removal; and dermal and inhalation exposures to carcinogens, tumorigens, and caustic agents.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
5632765
Report Number(s):
CONF-8110117-1; ON: DE82002918
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English