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.
TCO’95 requirement permits the inclusion of lead since no replacement has yet been developed.
Cadmium**
Cadmium is present in rechargeable batteries and in the colourgenerating layers of certain computer displays. Cadmium damages the nervous system and is toxic in high doses.
TCO’95 requirement states that batteries may not contain more than 25 ppm (parts per million) of cadmium. The colourgenerating layers of display screens must not contain any cadmium.
Mercury**
Mercury is sometimes found in batteries, relays and switches and back- light system. Mercury damages the nervous system and is toxic in high doses.
TCO’95 requirement states that batteries must not contain more than 25 ppm (parts per million) of mercury. It also demands that no mercury is present in any of the electrical or electronics components concerned with the display unit except the
CFCs (freons)
CFCs (freons) are sometimes used for washing printed circuit boards and in the manufacturing of expanded foam for packaging. CFCs break down ozone and thereby damage the ozone layer in the stratosphere, causing increased ultraviolet light to enter the earth‘s atmosphere with consequent increased risks of skin cancer (malignant melanoma).
The relevant TCO’95 requirement: Neither CFCs nor HCFCs may be used during the manufacturing of the product or its packaging.
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