In today's world, the use of tens of thousands of chemicals is prevalent across the globe. Shockingly, only a fraction of these substances have undergone thorough studies to understand their impact on human health and the environment. This alarming lack of knowledge poses a significant risk to both our well-being and the planet we call home. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of the groundbreaking TCO Certified Accepted Substance List, which aims to promote the adoption of safer alternatives. Recently, six more process chemicals have been added to this list, marking a positive stride towards a greener and healthier IT industry.

The IT industry, like many others, utilizes hazardous substances that pose a grave danger to humans and the environment. Dioxins, halogens, and other toxic compounds find their way into nature due to improper usage during manufacturing processes and the irresponsible disposal of products. Given the limited number of substances that have undergone comprehensive studies and hazard assessments, it is clear that simply banning a handful of proven harmful substances is an insufficient response. It is imperative that we consider all substances as potentially hazardous until proven otherwise, ensuring a cautious and responsible approach to their utilization.

At the forefront of sustainability certification for IT products stands TCO Certified. By introducing the revolutionary TCO Certified Accepted Substance List, this certification program fosters transparency and advocates for a shift towards safer substances in the industry. The list exclusively includes substances that have been scientifically proven to be safer alternatives. Since it is accessible to the public, this initiative not only promotes chemical safety within the IT industry but also inspires positive changes in society as a whole.

Stephen Fuller, an expert on hazardous substances at TCO Development, the organization behind TCO Certified, emphasizes the need for further regulatory development. While some hazardous substances have been phased out through legislation, we remain woefully uninformed about the substances that replace them. This knowledge gap hampers progress in ensuring our safety. The TCO Certified Accepted Substance List helps address this issue by enhancing transparency, closing data gaps, and accelerating the adoption of safer alternatives. Its significance cannot be overstated.

The recent addition of six new substances to the list, all of which are process chemicals, highlights the continuous expansion of TCO Certified's efforts. Since 1995, criteria restricting the use of hazardous substances have been an integral part of TCO Certified. Only plasticizers and flame retardants listed in the TCO Certified Accepted Substance List can be used in certified products. This commitment to scrutinizing and limiting the usage of hazardous substances extends beyond product manufacturing, now encompassing cleaner and degreaser substances used in the production processes as well.

In conclusion, TCO Certified is a program that addresses the risks posed by hazardous substances in IT products. It sets criteria to minimize or eliminate the use of such substances, promote transparency, and develop safer alternatives. Rather than simply banning substances, the program emphasizes the need for accurate information about their replacements. Chemicals are considered high risk until proven otherwise, and the GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals methodology helps identify pathways to safer alternatives. Only chemicals meeting specific benchmark scores are added to the TCO Certified Accepted Substance List and allowed for use in certified products. This list represents a significant step towards a safer and more sustainable IT industry, recognizing the limited understanding of chemical impacts and promoting responsible practices. Supporting TCO Certified means supporting transparency and chemical safety for a better future.

TCO Certified Accepted Substance List
Substances listed by CASRN or Trade name are approved for use in the products and manufacture of certified products. The list is dynamic and the substances may be reassessed in light of new scientific findings. You can filter the list by clicking on the purple header bar, or by using the search field to the right.

Search:

(Last updated: March 31, 2023)

Yeon Choul-woong 다른기사 보기