Brominated flame retardants
Brominated flame retardants are present in printed circuit boards, cables, wires, casings and housings. In
turn, they delay the spread of fire. Up to thirty percent of the plastic in a computer casing can consist of
flame retardant substances. These are related to another group of environmental toxins, PCBs, which are
suspected to give rise to similar harm, including reproductive damage in fisheating 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.
TCO’95 demand requires that plastic components weighing more than 25 grams must not contain
organically bound chlorine and bromine.
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 colour generating 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 colour-generating 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 may 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 back-light system.
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 reception on Earth of ultraviolet light 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.
Environmental Requirements
* Bio-accumulative is defined as substances which accumulate within living organisms.
** Lead, Cadmium and Mercury are heavy metals which are Bio-accumulative.
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