Information, Regulatory – Sun Microsystems Computer Monitor User Manual

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User’s Manual - 31

Information

Regulatory

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. The relevant TCO'99

requirement states that batteries, the colour-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. There is however one exception. 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 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.