AG Neovo F-419 , Bio-accumulative is defined as substances which accumulate within living organisms, Lead, Cadmium and Mercury are heavy metals which are Bio-ac cumulative.

18
Fax: +46 8 782 92 07
Email (Internet): development@tco.se
Current information regarding TCO'99 approved and labeled products may also be obtained via the
Internet, using the address: http://www.tco-info.com/
Environmental requirements
Flame retardants
Flame retardants are present in printed circuit boards , cables, wires, casings and hous ings. 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 foetus 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 t he colour-generating layers of ce rtain computer
displays. Cadmium damages the nervous system and is toxic in high doses. The relevant TCO'99
requirement states that batteries, the colour-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 electro nics 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 da mage the ozone layer in the strat osphere,
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 poisoni ng. The relevant TCO´99 requiremen t 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-ac cumulative.