Ergonomics, Energy, Emissions, Ecology

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 labelled unit. There is however one exception. Mercury is, for the time being, permitted in the back light system of flat panel monitors as today there is no commercially available alternative. TCO aims on removing this exception when a Mercury free alternative is available.

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 e.g. increased risks of 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.

TCO'03-Ecological requirements for personal computers (TCO'03 applied model only)

Congratulations!

The display you have just purchased carries the TCO'03 Displays label. This means that your display is designed, manufactured and tested according to some of the strictest quality and environmental requirements in the world. This makes for a high performance product, designed with the user in focus that also minimizes the impact on our natural environment.

Some of the features of the TCO'03 Display requirements:

Ergonomics

Good visual ergonomics and image quality in order to improve the working environment for the user and to reduce sight and strain problems. Important parameters are luminance, contrast, resolution, reflectance, colour rendition and image stability.

Energy

zEnergy-saving mode after a certain time ?beneficial both for the user and the environment

zElectrical safety

Emissions

zElectromagnetic fields

zNoise emissions

Ecology

zThe product must be prepared for recycling and the manufacturer must have a certified environmental management system such as EMAS or ISO 14 000

zRestrictions on

o chlorinated and brominated flame retardants and polymers o heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead.

The requirements included in this label have been developed by TCO Development in cooperation with scientists, experts, users as well as manufacturers all over the world. Since the end of the 1980s TCO has been involved in influencing the development of IT equipment in a more user-friendly direction. Our labelling system started with displays in 1992 and is now requested by users and IT-manufacturers all over the world.

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