Industrial hygiene characterization of photovoltaic solar cell industry.

Abstract

The search for viable alternative energy sources has intensified interest in photovoltaic technologies. Although this industry is currently very small, rapid growth is anticipated during the remainder of this century. This expected growth in the production of photovoltaic devices and related base materials and its attendant increased work force warrant an evaluation of the potential occupational health and safety hazards of the industry. The information presented in this report is based on a comprehensive literature review and walk-through surveys of 14 production or" research and development facilities. The investigation covers the technology from base material preparation through final module assembly~D escriptions are given of major technologies under development and the associated chemical and physical agents to which workers could be exposed. In-depth sampling surveys were conducted. Industrial hygiene concerns connected with each major technology are presented. Available health effects literature is listed for the chemicals used in all reviewed technologies. The investigation revealed that of the facilities surveyed, the industry presently appears to be generally well controlled, especially as to the single crystal silicon technology which is the most highly developed technology in the industry. Comprehensive industrial hygiene sampling was performed in a few facilities regarded as representing the norm. With the exception of elevated exposures to silver during grid metalization in one facility and to arsenic during gallium arsenide wafer production in another facility, all other exposures monitored were well within the standards. It must be realized, however, that toxic compounds are used and continued surveillance within the industry during its growth should be maintained.