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 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 damagethe 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.
* 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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