German - GeH4
German - GeH4
Main information on germane (GeH4) or "germanium tetrahydride" , its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it (GeH4 gas detector) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with combined filter type B-P3). Main characteristics of germane (GeH4)
Main characteristics of germane (GeH4)
Germanium tetrahydride (GeH4) , commonly known as germane, is the most industrially useful form of germanium, so many industrial preparation methods have been developed to produce it. It is mainly used for the fabrication of high-performance integrated circuits in the semiconductor industry, in the fabrication of high-efficiency photovoltaic cells, and in space applications.
Health effects of germane
Under normal temperature and pressure, germane (GeH4) is a colorless , heavier-than-air, and has a pungent odor . It is highly flammable (R220) and can explode if heated (H280). It is extremely toxic or fatal if inhaled (H330) and is very irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It can even affect the blood, causing damage to blood cells.
GeH4 gas detector (Germane or germanium tetrahydride)
Despite its pungent odor, only a GeH4 gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this gas. Although explosive, an explosiveness measurement is useless with this extremely toxic gas, so we will move towards detecting germane in ppm, or even ppb.
German respiratory protection (GeH4)
Germane is very irritating to the eyes, so we will opt for a full mask for short-term interventions or for a more comfortable assisted ventilation device with combined filters type B-P3 . If the concentrations exceed 60 times the OEL, an isolating breathing apparatus will be essential.