New gas concern

Age
Wednesday 25/3/2009 Page: 2

SCIENTISTS have for the first time measured the rapid growth of two new greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, including one that is a direct result of our love of flatscreen TVs. Nitrogen trifluoride is used during the manufacture of sophisticated electronic circuitry, particularly liquid-crystal flat screens.

According to a scientific paper to be presented today, it is making its presence felt more quickly than previously thought, with emissions growing at 11% a year. CSIRO chief research scientist Paul Fraser said nitrogen trifluoride was 17,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Also growing rapidly in the atmosphere is sulfuryl fluoride, a toxic chemical used in fumigation.