Hazard characterization and management of tetramethyl tin in the production of photovoltaic cell transparent conductive oxide layers

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6556529

Kalb, P D; Moskowitz, P D

Tetramethyl tin (TMT) has been used by the photovoltaics industry to prepare transparent conductive oxide films on glass. Significant health hazards, however may be associated with the use of TMT. Short-term exposures to TMT vapors in excess of accepted exposure limits can produce a range of physiological symptoms. Although less is known about the hazards from prolonged exposure to low levels of TMT, some studies suggest that effects are both cumulative and persistent. TMT also is highly flammable and emits toxic fumes on decomposition. In an occupational setting, workers may be routinely or accidentally exposed to TMT liquids or vapors. Approaches for controlling these occupational hazards are described. Analysis suggests that routine emissions from large scale manufacturing facilities using TMT will need to be reduced by approximately 90% to comply with toxic gas containment guidelines to protect public health. Thermal afterburners combined with particle filtration may be used to meet these guidelines. Accidental release of the total inventory of TMT at a large-scale plant may present hazards to individuals living about 1 km from the facility's boundary. Because of these hazards, strategies to prevent in-plant release coupled with community emergency response programs are needed. 32 refs., 2 figs., 4 tabs.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH00016
• OSTI ID: 6556529
• Report Number(s): BNL-42062; CONF-880965-25; ON: DE89004522
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360601 -- Other Materials-- Preparation & Manufacture
570000* -- Health & Safety
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DATA
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
FIRE HAZARDS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INFORMATION
MANUFACTURING
MATERIALS
MATERIALS HANDLING
METHYLATION
NUMERICAL DATA
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
RELEASE LIMITS
TIN COMPOUNDS
TOXIC MATERIALS
VENTILATION