The Carl Zeiss Foundation of Mainz in Germany wants the optics industry to
stop polluting landfills and tips with leaded glass (GB 2349639). Lead oxide is
traditionally added to glass to improve its optical properties and make it
easier to work with. But discarded lenses containing lead are an environmental
hazard. The foundation claims that a finely balanced mix of silica and boric
oxide has the same benefits as the lead. Adding oxides of barium, calcium and
aluminium further improves melting properties and transmission of blue
light.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Why full-fledged quantum computers might always be five years away
Comment
Technology
Quantum computers are starting to become useful as scientific tools
News
Technology
OpenAI’s hacking agent went rogue. Should we be worried?
News
Technology
China is trying to regulate relationships with AI 鈥� can it work?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles