15. Will there be hazardous chemicals and gases?

The main detector contains active detector elements which need a mix of gases circulating. The mixture used in the experiment consists of mainly argon, freon (environmentally friendly variety that is now used in all modern refrigerators) and small quantities of isobutane. These are used regularly in all laboratory environments and the mixture that will be used will conform to international standards of safety.

The gas mixture is recycled many times before it is let out in small volumes. The ventilation system mixes the released gases with air to ensure the safety of every one. This is more a precaution to ensure the safety of the workers inside the laboratory.



2007-02-02