Hazardous 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. 36 refs., 3 figs., 6 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76CH00016
- OSTI ID:
- 6608456
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-52123; ON: DE89005936
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
FABRICATION
TIN COMPOUNDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
TIN OXIDES
CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
EMERGENCY PLANS
FLAMMABILITY
GLASS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TOXICITY
VAPORS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL COATING
COMBUSTION PROPERTIES
DEPOSITION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
FLUIDS
GASES
HAZARDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
SURFACE COATING
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology