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Regulatory Information
Why do we have environmentally labeled computers?
In many countries, environmental labeling has become an established method for encouraging the
adaptation of goods and services to the environment. The main problem, as far as computers and other
electronics equipment are concerned, is that environmentally harmful substances are used both in the
products and during their manufacture. Since it is not so far possible to satisfactorily recycle the majority of
electronics equipment, most of these potentially damaging substances sooner or later enter nature.
There are also other characteristics of a computer, such as energy consumption levels, that are important
from the viewpoints of both the work (internal) and natural (external) environments. Since all methods of
electricity generation have a negative effect on the environment (e.g. acidic and climate-influencing
emissions, radioactive waste), it is vital to save energy. Electronics equipment in offices is often left running
continuously and thereby consumes a lot of energy.
What does labeling involve?
This product meets the requirements for the TCO'99 scheme which provides for international and
environmental labeling of personal computers. The labeling scheme was developed as a joint effort by the
TCO (The Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees), Svenska Naturskyddsforeningen (The
Swedish Society for Nature Conservation) and Statens Energimyndighet (The Swedish National Energy
Administration).
Approval requirements cover a wide range of issues: environment, ergonomics, usability, emission of electric
and magnetic fields, energy consumption and electrical and fire safety.
The environmental demands impose restrictions on the presence and use of heavy metals, brominated and
chlorinated flame retardants, CFCs (freons) and chlorinated solvents, among other things. The product must
be prepared for recycling and the manufacturer is obliged to have an environmental policy which must be
adhered to in each country where the company implements its operational policy.
The energy requirements include a demand that the computer and/or display, after a certain period of
inactivity, shall reduce its power consumption to a lower level in one or more stages. The length of time to
reactivate the computer shall be reasonable for the user.
Labeled products must meet strict environmental demands, for example, in respect of the reduction of
electric and magnetic fields, physical and visual ergonomics and good usability.
Below you will find a brief summary of the environmental requirements met by this product. The complete
environmental criteria document may be ordered from:
TCO Development
SE-114 94 Stockholm, Sweden
Fax: +46 8 782 92 07
Email (Internet): development@tco.se
Current information regarding TCO'99 approved and labeled products may also be obtained via the
Internet, using the address:
file:///D|/B/espanol/150s4fgb/SAFETY/regs/regulat.htm (4 of 14) [11/8/2002 2:35:34 PM]
Congratulations!
You have just purchased a TCO '99 approved and
labeled product! Your choice has provided you with a product
developed for professional use. Your purchase has also contributed to
reducing the burden on the environment and also to the further
development of environmentally adapted electronics products.
http://www.tco-info.com/
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