Sweden

TCO’95 cont.

casing can consist of flame retardant substances. These are related to another group of environmental 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, switches, and back-light systems, 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, except the back-light system.

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

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/

78133813.wpc

10/28/99, 3:22 PM