GRE TITANIUM Manuel D'installation Et De Maintenance page 13

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
With the objective of reducing the amount of waste from electrical and electronic
appliances and the danger of the components, of assessing their waste, and of
determining suitable management with the idea of improving environmental protec-
tion, a series of standards are established that can be applied to the manufacturing
of the product and others relating to correct environmental management when it is
converted into waste.
It also aims to improve the environmental behaviour of agents intervening in the life
cycle of electrical and electronic appliances, such as the producers, the distributors, the users, and
especially that of those agents directly involved in the management of the waste deriving from these
appliances.
As from 13 August 2005, if you want to get rid of this appliance you have two possible options for
returning it:
- If you purchase a new one that is equivalent in type or carries out the same functions as the old one,
you can hand in the latter free of charge when you make your purchase from the distributor.
- You can take it to the collection point provided by the local authorities.
The appliances are labelled with the symbol of a "crossed-out refuse container on wheels", which
indicates that it must be selectively collected and differentiated from other urban waste.
Possible effects on the environment or human health of the dangerous substances it may contain:
PVC
The most frequently used plasticiser in PVC applications is DEHP (diethyl-hexyl-phthalate). Tests
carried out in various laboratories show that it offers no risk to human health at the levels of concen-
tration used in finished products, according to the reports of the BUA in Germany (the relevant envi-
ronmental advisory body on existing substances) and the BGA (German Health Authority) among
others. The results of these tests, together with the data obtained from biodegradation studies, con-
firm that DEHP cannot be considered dangerous to the environment. All additives used in the formu-
lations of PVC and therefore in food applications are perfectly regulated both at a European and a
Spanish level.
In Europe, Regional Directive 90/128/EU, subsequently modified by 95/3/EU, is applicable. The
Spanish equivalent is Royal Decree 1125/1982 of 30 April, which was confirmed by Royal Decree
1042/1997 of 27 June of the same year.
Modern technology that has been applied for years in PVC production plants allows the affirmation
that the latter are not dangerous to the environment. Life cycle analyses (ACV from its Spanish initials)
show that the environmental impact of PVC is equivalent to or even more favourable than that of other
materials.
TITANIUM
Effect on health. Pure titanium and titanium dioxide have a low level of toxicity. Excessive exposure
to titanium dioxide when inhaled by humans may lead to slight changes in the lungs.
The effects of over-exposure to titanium powder: the inhalation of the powder may cause tightness
and pain in the chest together with coughing, and make it difficult to breathe. Contact with the skin
and eyes may cause irritation. Means of entry: inhaling and skin and eyes.
Carcinogenicity: the international agency for cancer research (IARC) has placed titanium dioxide in
group 3 (the agent is not classifiable regarding its carcinogenicity in humans).
Environmental effects. Low toxicity. No negative environmental effects have been recorded due to
the effects of titanium.
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