HDTV gas worse than carbon dioxide

Wha happen?!

Bloops! It seems the gas inside flat-panel displays, Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF₃), is 17,000 times better than CO₂ when it comes to trapping heat in the atmosphere. The gas isn’t very prevalent yet but just wait until we start throwing away our old HDTVs to get OLEDs. Best of all, “has a characteristic mouldy smell and is thought to be highly harmful to the liver and kidneys.” Tasty!

While flat-screen manufacturers are talking up their greenness, what we really need to know is their NF₃ use and energy efficiency. It will be interesting to see how long this issue lasts until someone does something about it.