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toxins, PCBs, which are suspected to give rise to similar harm, including reproductive damage in
fisheating birds and mammals, due to the bio-accumulative* processes. Flame retardants have
been found in human blood and researchers fear that disturbances in foetus development may
occur.
TCO’95 demand requires that plastic components weighing more than 25 grams must not contain
organically bound chlorine and bromine.
Lead**
Lead can be found in picture tubes, display screens, solders and capacitors. Lead damages the
nervous system and in higher doses, causes lead poisoning.
TCO’95 requirement permits the inclusion of lead since no replacement has yet been developed.
Cadmium**
Cadmium is present in rechargeable batteries and in the colourgenerating layers of certain
computer displays. Cadmium damages the nervous system and is toxic in high doses.
TCO’95 requirement states that batteries may not contain more than 25 ppm (parts per million) of
cadmium. The colourgenerating layers of display screens must not contain any cadmium.
Mercury**
Mercury is sometimes found in batteries, relays and switches, Mercury damages the nervous system
and is toxic in high doses.
TCO’95 requirement states that batteries may not contain more than 25 ppm (parts per million) of
mercury. It also demands that no mercury is present in any of the electrical or electronics
components concerned with the display unit. Mercury is, for the time being, permitted in the back
light system of flat panel monitors as there today is no commercially available alternative. TCO aims
on removing this exception when a mercury free alternative is available.
CFCs (freons)
CFCs (freons) are sometimes used for washing printed circuit boards and in the manufacturing of
expanded foam for packaging. CFCs break down ozone and thereby damage the ozone layer in
the stratosphere, causing increased reception on Earth of ultraviolet light with consequent increased
risks of skin cancer (malignant melanoma).
The relevant TCO’95 requirement; Neither CFCs nor HCFCs may be used during the manufacturing
of the product or its packaging.
*Bio-accumulative is defined as substances which accumulate within living organisms.
**Lead, Cadmium and Mercury are heavy metals which are Bio-accumulative.
To obtain complete information on the environmental criteria document, order from:
TCO Development Unit
SE-114 94 Stockholm
SWEDEN
FAX Number: +46 8 782 92 07
E-mail (Internet): development@tco.se
You may also obtain current information on TCO’95 approved and labelled products by
visiting their website at: http://www.tco-info.com/
TCO’95
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