Flame retardants

Regulatory Information

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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109B specifications

The Philips 109B is a notable product in the realm of computer monitors, particularly significant during its time for delivering a solid blend of functionality and affordability. Designed primarily for office and general computing use, the Philips 109B stands out as a reliable choice for users looking for a dependable display solution.

One of the key features of the Philips 109B is its display size. With a 19-inch screen, it strikes a balance between providing ample screen real estate for multitasking while still being compact enough to fit into various workspace setups. The screen resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels ensures adequate clarity for text and graphics, making it suitable for everyday tasks like word processing, browsing, and even light graphic design.

The monitor utilizes CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) technology, a standard in earlier generations of monitors, which contributes to its deep color reproduction and high refresh rates. Users benefit from a refresh rate of up to 85Hz, significantly reducing flickering and providing a smoother visual experience, particularly during prolonged use.

In terms of ergonomics, the Philips 109B features a tilt-adjustable design, allowing users to customize the angle of the screen to their preference, thus enhancing comfort during extended viewing sessions. The monitor's build quality is robust, reflecting the durability often associated with Philips products, which is crucial in an office environment where reliability is paramount.

Connectivity is another strong point for the Philips 109B, equipped with connectors that support conventional VGA interfaces. This makes it compatible with a wide range of computers and peripherals, ensuring easy integration into existing setups without the need for additional adapters or converters.

Moreover, the monitor includes various color settings, allowing users to adjust their viewing experience according to their personal preferences, which can be particularly beneficial for graphic work or video editing where color accuracy is important.

Overall, the Philips 109B exemplifies a practical, user-friendly monitor that caters to a variety of computing needs. Its combination of size, resolution, ergonomic features, and solid build quality makes it a commendable choice for users seeking a functional monitor without unnecessary frills. While newer technologies have emerged since its popularity, the Philips 109B remains a testament to the reliable design and engineering that Philips is known for.