English
26Appendix
The energy requirements include a demand that the computer and/or display, after a cer- tain period of inactivity, shall reduce its power consumption to a lower level in one or more stages. The length of time to reactivate the computer shall be reasonable for the user.
Labelled products must meet strict environmental demands, for example, in respect of the reduction of electric and magnetic fields, physical and visual ergonomics and good usability.
Below you will find a brief summary of the environmental requirements met by this pro- duct. The complete environmental criteria document may be ordered from:
TCO Development
114 94 Stockholm, Sweden Fax: +46 8 782 92 07
Current information regarding TCO ’99 approved and labelled products may also be obtai- ned via the Internet, using the address:
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 che- mically 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
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 availa- ble.
Cadmium** Cadmium is present in rechargeable batteries and in the
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