Samsung SyncMaster 797MB Owner's Manual page 77

TCO Developm ent
SE-114 94 Stoc kholm, Sweden
Fax: +46 8 782 92 07
development@tco.se
Email (Internet):
Current information regarding TCO'99 approved and labelled products may also be obtained via the
Internet, using the address: http://www.tco-info.com/
Environm ental requirements
Flam e retardants
Flame retardants are present in printed c ircuit boards, cables, wires, casings and hous ings. Their purpos e
is to prevent, or at least to delay the s pread of fire. Up to 30% of the plastic in a computer casing can
consist of flame retardant s ubstances. Most flame retardants contain bromine or c hloride, and thos e flame
retardants are chemically related to another group of environmental tox ins, PCBs. Both the flame
retardants containing bromine or chloride and the PCBs are suspected of giving rise to severe health
effects, including reproductive damage in fish-eating birds and mammals, due to the bio -accumulative*
proc esses. Flame retardants have been found in human blood and researchers fear that disturbances in
foetus dev elopment may occ ur.
The relevant TCO'99 demand requires that plastic components weighing more than 25 grams must not
contain flame retardants with organically bound bromine or chlorine. Flame retardants are allowed in the
printed circuit boards since no s ubstitutes are available.
Cadmium**
Cadmium is present in rechargeable batteries and in the colour -generating layers of certain computer
displays. Cadmium damages the nerv ous system and is toxic in high doses. The relevant TCO'99
requirement states that batteries, the colour -generating layers of display screens and the electrical or
electronics components must not c ontain any cadmium.
Mercury**
Mercury is sometimes found in batteries, relays and switc hes. 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 elec tronics components associated with the
labelled unit. There is however one exc eption. Mercury is, for the time being, permitted in the back light
system of flat panel monitors as today there is no commercially available alternative. TCO aims on
removing this ex ception when a Mercury free alternative is available.
CFCs (freons)
The relevant TCO'99 requirement s tates that neither CFCs nor HCFCs may be used during the
manufacture and ass embly 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
inclus ion of lead sinc e no replacement has yet been developed.
* Bio -accumulative is defined as substanc es which accumulate within liv ing organisms.
** Lead, Cadmium and Mercury are heavy metals which are Bio-accumulative.
TCO'03 -Ecological requirements for personal com puters (TCO'03 applied model only)
Con gratulations!
The dis play you have just purchased carries the TCO'03 Displays label. This means that y our display is
designed, manufactured and tested according to some of the strictest quality and environmental
requirements in the world. This makes for a high performanc e product, designed with the user in focus that
also minimizes the impact on our natural environment.
Some of the features of the TCO'03 Display requirements:
Ergonom ics
Good visual ergonomics and image quality in order to improve the working environment for the user and to