Why do we have environmentally labelled computers?
In many countries, environmental labelling has become an established method for encou raging the
adaptation of goods and services to the environment. The main problem, as far as computers an d other
electronics equipment are concerned, is that environmentally harmful substances a re used both in the
products and during their manufacture. Since it is not so far possible to satisfactorily recycle the m ajority of
electronics equipment, most of these potentially damaging substances sooner or later en ter 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
electricity generation have a negative effect on the environment (e.g. acidic and climate -influencing
emissions, radioactive waste), it is vital to save energy. Electronics equi pment in offices is often left running
continuously and thereby consumes a lot of energy.
What does labelling involve?
The environmental demands has been developed by Svenska Naturskyddsforeningen (The S wedish
Society for Nature Conservation). These demands impose restrictions on the presen ce and use of heavy
metals, brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, CFCs(freons)and chlorinated solvents, a mong other
things. The product must be prepared for recycling and the manufacturer is obliged to have an
environmental policy which must be adhered to in each country where the company implements its
operational policy.
The energy requirements include a demand that the computer and/or display, after a certain pe riod 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.
Below you will find a brief summary of the environmental requirements met by this produ ct. The complete
environmental criteria document may be ordered from:
TCO Development
SE-114 94 Stockholm, Sweden
Fax: +46 8 782 92 07
Email (Internet): development@tco.se
Current information regarding TCO'99 approved and labelled products may also be obtained v ia 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 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 t hose 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 he alth
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 disturbanc es in
foetus development may occur.
The relevant TCO'99 demand requires that plastic components weighing more than 25 g rams must not
contain flame retardants with organically bound bromine or chlorine. Flame retardants are allow ed in the
printed circuit boards since no substitutes are available.
Cadmium**
Cadmium is present in rechargeable batteries and in the colour-generating layers of certain com puter
displays. Cadmium damages the nervous system and is toxic in high doses. The releva nt TCO'99
requirement states that batteries, the colour-generating layers of display screens and the ele ctrical or
electronics components must not contain any cadmium.
Mercury**
Mercury is sometimes found in batteries, relays and switches. It damages the nervo us 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 ass ociated with the
labelled unit. There is however one exception. Mercury is, for the time being, permitted in the back li ght
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 washin g printed circuit
boards. CFCs break down ozone and thereby damage the ozone layer in the stratosphere, causi ng
increased reception on earth of ultraviolet light with e.g. increased risks of skin c ancer (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 perm its the
inclusion of lead since no replacement has yet been developed.
* Bio-accumulative is defined as substances which accumulate within livin g organisms.
** Lead, Cadmium and Mercury are heavy metals which are Bio-accumulative.