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The relevant TCO’99 demand requires that plastic components
weighing more than 25 grams must not contain flame retardants with
organically bound bromine or chlorine. Flame retardants are allowed
in the printed circuit boards since no substitutes are available.
Cadmium**
Cadmium is present in rechargeable batteries and in the colour-
generating layers of certain computer displays. Cadmium damages
the nervous system and is toxic in high doses. The relevant TCO‘99
requirement states that batteries, the colour-generating layers of
display screens and the electrical or electronics components must
not contain any cadmium.
Mercury**
Mercury is sometimes found in batteries, relays and switches. It
damages the nervous system and is toxic in high doses. The relevant
TCO‘99 requirement states that batteries may not contain any
Mercury. It also demands that no mercury is present in any of the
electrical or electronics components associated with the labelled unit.
CFCs (freons)
The relevant TCO‘99 requirement states that neither CFCs nor
HCFCs may be used during the manufacturing and assembly of the
product. CFCs (freons) are sometimes used for washing printed
circuit boards. CFCs break down ozone and thereby damage the
ozone layer in the stratosphere, causing increased reception on
Earth of ultraviolet light with e. g. increased risks of skin cancer
(malignant melanoma) as a consequence.
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. The relevant TCO‘99 requirement permits the
inclusion of lead since no replacement has yet been developed.
*Bio-accumulative is defined as substances which accumulate within living
organisms.
**Lead, Cadmium and Mercury are heavy metals which are Bio-accumulative.