ABSTRACT
Cadmium sulphide is widely used as the window material in cadmium telluride and copper indium diselenide thin film modules. The layer is usually deposited in a hot chemical bath, a cheap technology producing good quality material. Experimental analysis has shown the existence of an aerosol, which is located above the liquid surface of the bath, containing both volatile and non-volatile components from the bath. A hazard assessment has been undertaken to highlight the possible environmental risks which may occur due to the deposition process itself and the associated transport, storage and handling of the materials used in and generated by the production process. This paper will use the technique of environmental risk assessment to identify the major hazards within the CdS CBD process and assess their significance to human health and the environment.
