Hazard characterization and management of tetramethyl tin in the production of photovoltaic cell transparent conductive oxide layers
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
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 20. IEEE photovoltaic specialists conference, Las Vegas, NV, USA, 26 Sep 1988; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
14 SOLAR ENERGY
HEALTH HAZARDS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
MANUFACTURING
TIN COMPOUNDS
METHYLATION
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
FIRE HAZARDS
MATERIALS HANDLING
NUMERICAL DATA
RELEASE LIMITS
TOXIC MATERIALS
VENTILATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DATA
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
HAZARDS
INFORMATION
MATERIALS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
570000* - Health & Safety
360601 - Other Materials- Preparation & Manufacture
140501 - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion