Organic electronics environmental impact

Of major concern are the health and environmental impacts of the abundant chlorinated and brominated hydrocarbons (ref. 2). These materials have numerous industrial applications as pesticides, solvents, propellants, refrigerants, plastics, fire retardants and extinguishers, disinfectants for drinking water, pharmaceuticals and electronic chemicals. Many chemical manufacturers utilize chlorinated and brominated organics as intermediates. It is estimated, for instance, that almost 85 % of the pharmaceuticals produced in the world require chlorine at some stage of synthesis. 

Another advantage cited for organic electronics is their perceived low environmental impact and high expected consumer safety. This assumption is generally based on the notion that plastics are easily recycled and are considered safe to humans and animals. However, the materials used are often completely new compositions with poorly understood health and safety attributes. The assumption that all plastics are completely safe for humans is inaccurate, as is exemplified by recent concerns about the toxicity of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).39 In contrast, most inorganic nanoparticle materials are already on the consumer market and have extensive historical data on their safety in a variety of applications. Some materials, such as zinc oxide, are even considered reasonably safe for ingestion and therefore are commonly used in food and cosmetics. However, the health effects and interactions of nanoparticles on the human body are still a topic of debate.40... 

FTIR Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (technique useful in identifying and analyzing various unknown compounds, such as environmental pollutants) GC Gas chromatography (most commonly used analytical technique for organics) GC/MS Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (technique based on chromatographic separation, followed by chemical or electron-impact ionization and identification of the mass spectra of the ionized fragments)... 

Electron impact (El) is not only the oldest but also is still the most frequently used ionization technique in environmental organic analysis. El is, theoretically, capable of ionizing all organic compounds. The practical limitations arise from vaporizing the sample in the... 

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