Radiation Hazard on Your Desk

RADIATION HAZARD ON YOUR DESK

Did you know that you have your own radiation plant near you? Yes, if you are one of those who have a long-term relationship going with the PC, you are exposing yourself to a great deal of radiation. The so-called low frequencies which originate from high voltages at home and electrical equipments criss-cross the human body every day. A computer user in his lifetime spends about 80,000 hours in front of the PC.
The PC causes both high and low frequency fields and intensifies the problem of electromagnetic radiation. The radiation emanating from the PC (from the power supply and the fan) is low in frequency. Most hardware manufacturers are bound by law, to ensure that the radiation waste remains in the casing and does not touch the user. But if the casing is not fixed well or has developed cracks due to constant opening and closing of the cabinet, the user is bombarded regularly with electromagnetic radiation.
Fortunately, low frequency fields do not enter deep into the human head, but cause surface effects like hair loss or itchy skin. The skin dries up and becomes red. Scientists claim that about 1 to 4 per cent of the people are especially electro-sensistive. Working for long hours in front of a PC for such people could mean sleeping problems, headaches, and loss of appetite.
A small body of research suggests that pregnant women exposed to these fields may face an increased risk of spontaneous abortions (miscarriages). Other studies suggest a link between exposure to electromagnetic fields and leukemia and cancers. Most of the evidence for these radiation effects comes from epidemiological studies—surveys, hospital records studies, and so on—rather than clinical or laboratory work. Here the evidence is weaker, and possible causes are poorly understood.

HARMLESS WITHIN LIMITS
Research on this subject had given conflicting results up untill now. Prof Jürgen Bernhardt, Department Head for Diseases caused by Radiation at the National Institute for Anti-radiation in Germany says: “There are no health risks if electromagnetic radiation is kept within limits.”
Under the guidance of Dr David Carpenter of the US National Advisory Council for Radiation Protection (NCRP), 11 renowned radiation protection experts collected data for nine years. This study is accepted as the most comprehensive study conducted on electromagnetic radiation to-date. The researchers discovered that if radiation affects the brain over a long period of time, it could disturb the functioning of the pineal body and thereby the production of hormones that are responsible for regulating the biorhythms. The immune system would also be affected leading to molecular changes in the cells that could cause cancer.
The findings of the different research groups (though there is no single established result as such) are a cause for concern. These findings should serve as a guideline for manufacturers of monitors, who should take care to stick to the norms and keep electromagnetic radiation to the bare minimum.
To reduce electromagnetic radiation from your computer, arrange cables and wires from PC, mouse, keyboard, etc, as far away from the body as possible. Magnetic field strength diminishes rapidly the farther you move from the monitor. If you maintain a distance of 28 inches or more between the front of the monitor and your body (approximately arm’s length) you’ll keep your exposure at levels that are generally recognised as safe. Note, though, that the magnetic fields at the sides, top, and back of the monitor are often stronger than those at the front. To be safe, it is recommended that you keep your body at least 48 inches from these. A distance of 12 inches from the bottom of the monitor is thought to be safe. Similarly, measure the distance from your body to the sides and backs of any monitors near you. You need a distance of at least 48 inches here.
Use devices with ‘power save’ modes. For example, set the blank screen saver option for your monitor after 5 to 10 minutes and the energy save mode after 30 minutes.