LaCie 319 Why do we have environmentally labeled computers?, What does labeling involve?

LaCie 319 LCD Monitor	Environmental Regulations
User’s Manual	page 8

Congratulations! You have just purchased a TCO’99 approved and labeled product! Your choice has provided you with a product developed for professional use. Your purchase has also contributed to reducing the burden on the environment andto the further development of environmentally adapted elec- tronics products.

Why do we have environmentally labeled computers?

In many countries, environmental labeling has become an established method for encouraging the adaptation of goods and services to the environment. The main problem, as far as computers and other electronics equipment are concerned, is that environmentally harmful substances are used both in the products and during the manufacturing. Since it has not been possi- ble for the majority of electronics equipment to be recycled in a satisfactory way, most of these potentially damaging sub- stances sooner or later enter Nature. There are also other characteristics of a computer, such as energy consumption levels, that are important from the viewpoints of both the work (internal) and natural (external) environments. Since all methods of conventional electricity generation have a negative effect on the environment (acidic and climate-influencing emissions, radioactive waste, etc.), it is vital to conserve energy. Electronics equipment in offices consume an enormous amount of energy since they are often left running continuously.

What does labeling involve?

This product meets the requirements for international and environmental labeling of personal computers. The requirements cover a wide range of issues, including: environment, ergonomics, usability, emission of electrical and magnetic fields, energy consumption and electrical and fire safety. The environmental demands concern restrictions on the presence and use of heavy metals, brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, CFCs (freons) and chlorinated solvents, among other things. The product must be prepared for recycling and the manufacturer is obliged to have an environmental plan which must be adhered to in each country where the company implements its operational policy. The energy requirements include a demand that the com- puter and/or display, after a certain 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. Labeled products must meet strict envi- ronmental demands, for example, in respect of the reduction of electric and magnetic fields, physical and visual ergonomics and good usability.

Environmental Requirements

Flame retardants

Flame retardants are present in printed circuit boards, cables, wires, casings and housings. In turn, they delay the spread of fire. Up to thirty percent of the plastic in a computer casing can consist of flame retardant substances. Most flame retardants contain bromine or chloride and these are related to another group of environmental toxins, PCBs, which are suspected to give rise to severe health effects, including reproductive damage in fisheating birds and mammals, due to the bioaccumula- tive* processes. Flame retardants have been found in human blood and researchers fear that disturbances in fetus develop- ment may occur. Plastic components weighing more than 25 grams must not contain flame retardants with organically bound chlorine and bromine. Flame retardants are allowed in the printed circuit boards since no substitutes are available.