Environment, health and safety

What is the main reason emissions of PFCs (perfluorocarbons), used for etching and equipment cleaning, are considered an environmental problem?

  1. ABecause they are a main cause of water pollution
  2. BBecause they are a main cause of acid rain
  3. CBecause they are greenhouse gases with high global warming potential and long atmospheric lifetimes
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Answer: C. Because they are greenhouse gases with high global warming potential and long atmospheric lifetimes

PFCs such as CF4 and C2F6 are greenhouse gases with global warming potentials thousands of times that of CO2 or more, and they remain in the atmosphere for a very long time. The semiconductor industry works to cut emissions through decomposition in abatement systems, switching to alternative gases and optimizing usage.

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More Environment, health and safety questions

  1. Which correctly describes the typical handling of cylinders of toxic or flammable specialty gases?
  2. Which is a typical treatment method for wastewater containing hydrofluoric acid?
  3. Which facility, used on equipment that handles chemicals and the like, captures generated gases and mists near their source and exhausts them?
  4. Which combination of protective equipment is appropriate for work handling acid and alkali chemicals?
  5. Which system shows chemical hazards in an internationally harmonized way, using pictograms such as a skull or flame and hazard statements?