The New Nation - Internet Edition

A recent research in California, USA revealed that Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) is thousands of times more potent as a greenhouse gas for global warming than a similar mass of Carbon dioxide (CO2).

As it is known, NF3 is a nonflammable, colorless, odorless, toxic gas used as an etchant in microelectronics. Earlier NF3 was chosen substitute for PFCs (Perflurocarbons). PFCs are extremely potent greenhouse gases with a lifetime up to 50,000 years. PFCs are used in cosmetics, refrigerating units, fire extinguisher, and etcetera.

Meanwhile recent research findings also indicated NF3 as a greenhouse gas with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) 17,200 times greater than that of Co2. At present NF3 is not enlisted in the group of Kyoto-recognized greenhouse gases.

If an effective global action program is not taken immediately to containing greenhouse gases, our cool and calm earth will soon be turned into a hot and hazardous planet!

Professor M Zahidul Haque

Department of Agricultural Extension & Information System,

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka.