colour-generating layers of certain computer displays. Cadmium
damages the nervous system and is toxic in high doses. The relevant
TCO'99 requirement states that batteries, the color-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
electronics components associated with the labelled 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 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.
**
Lead, Cadmium and Mercury are heavy metals which are
Bio-accumulative.
