NF3: The Booming Greenhouse Gas
Until recently it has been unknown how detrimental to the environment nitrogen triflouride (NF3) really is. The chemical is used in LED’s that back light LCD screens on mobile phones, televisions, monitors and in other electronics used in various industries. Despite the chemical not being monitored by the Kyoto Protocol (or any environmental agency) it has an impact on global climate 17,000 times greater than CO2, according to an article in the Times. A study suggests that production of NF3 is expected to double by 2009 with several new manufacturing facilities opening around the world to accommodate for increasing demand of LCD’s.
“The chemical is found to stay in the atmosphere for 550 years and there is no force of nature known to remove it.
The study has found that this year, nitrogen trifluoride emissions are expected to have an impact equal to Austria’s CO2 output.
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LCD monitors have long been presented as environmentally friendly, particularly next to lead-laden, energy inefficient CRT models.
Though the use of mercury and arsenic has been of concern to the environmental and human health, LED-backlit display technology has begun to address these issues.
As far as the NF3 issue goes, it is cheaper for companies to create the chemical in a way that produces more emissions.
The chemical is found to stay in the atmosphere for 550 years and there is no force of nature known to remove it.
The study has found that this year, nitrogen trifluoride emissions are expected to have an impact equal to Austria’s CO2 output.”