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TCO Development
SE-114 94 Stockholm, Sweden
Fax: +46 8 782 92 07
Email (Internet): development@tco.se
Current information regarding TCO'99 approved and labeled products may also be obtained via the
Internet, using the address: http://www.tco-info.com/
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Environmental Requirements
Flame retardants
Flame retardants are present in printed circuit boards, cables, wires, casings and housings. Their purpose is to prevent, or at least to delay
the spread of fire. Up to 30% of the plastic in a computer casing can consist of flame retardant substances. Most flame retardants contain
bromine or chloride, and those flame retardants are chemically related to another group of environmental toxins, PCBs. Both the flame
retardants containing bromine or chloride and the PCBs are suspected of giving rise to severe health effects, including reproductive
damage in fish-eating birds and mammals, due to the bio-accumulative* processes. Flame retardants have been found in human blood and
researchers fear that disturbances in fetus development may occur.
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 color-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 color-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 mercury is not present in any of the electrical
or electronics components associated with the labeled unit.
CFCs (freons)
The relevant TCO'99 requirement states that neither CFCs nor HCFCs may be used during the manufacture 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 increased risks e.g. 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.
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TCO '95 Information (for 107E43)
• TCO '95 : Available on 107B,107E, 107T, 107X,109B.
Regulatory Information
file:///D|/EDFU/LF3/lf3manual/english/107E/SAFETY/regs/regulat.htm (2 of 10) [2002/9/2 ?? 04:10:07]