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C–4 User’s Guide
TCO ‘99 Requirements
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 electronics components associated with the
labeled unit. There is however one exception. Mercury is, for the
time being, permitted in the back light system of flat panel monitors
as there today 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.