Production of thin-film photovoltaic cells: health and environmental effects

Conference · Tue Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:6031102

Fthenakis, V M; Moskowitz, P D

Health and safety hazards in production of major thin-film photovoltaic cells are identified and characterized for their potential to cause health effects. These hazards are identified by examining process data, control technology availability, biomedical effects, and environmental standards. Quantitative estimates of material inputs and outputs and control costs were made on the basis of preliminary engineering designs of hypothetical facilities capable of manufacturing 10 MWp photovoltaic cells a year. The most significant potential hazards are associated with toxic and explosive gases. Emissions of toxic gases during normal operation can be controlled using available control technology. Accidental release of stored gases, however, will pose significant risks to both workers and the public, as atmospheric dispersion computer studies indicate. Possible release preventing options and release control options are examined. Explosive and flammable gases may present significant occupational safety hazards; gas handling systems will need to be carefully designed. High voltages and radio frequency equipment also require close attention for their potential to present occupational hazards. 10 refs., 2 figs., 5 tabs.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH00016
• OSTI ID: 6031102
• Report Number(s): BNL-37306; CONF-8510269-1; ON: DE86005684
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIONS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EXPLOSIONS
FLUIDS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDUSTRY
MANUFACTURING
MATERIALS
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SAFETY
SOLAR INDUSTRY
TOXIC MATERIALS
TOXICITY