EM radiation from computer monitors

Shinova · Post by **Shinova** » 2004-12-29 03:07am

How much comes out?

Like all parents, my parents often tell me to stay off the computer when I can, saying that the radiation could cause cancer in the future. I think some of that is bull.

So how much radiation comes out of the monitor compared to say, the sun or concrete, etc?

Lord Revan · Post by **Lord Revan** » 2004-12-29 05:56am

Shinova wrote:How much comes out?

Like all parents, my parents often tell me to stay off the computer when I can, saying that the radiation could cause cancer in the future. I think some of that is bull.

So how much radiation comes out of the monitor compared to say, the sun or concrete, etc?

Well Computer monitors like TVs are based on projecting EM radiation(Light) on you, but their harmfull radiation(UV or above) output should be so low that it's irrelevant (both my parents use computers almost every day at work neither have any medical problems because of it (and they are in their 50's)

SyntaxVorlon · Post by **SyntaxVorlon** » 2004-12-29 11:49am

Not enough harmful stuff to kill you shin. Visible light hasn't started killing people, at least at concentrations as low as that emitted by your screen.

Now if you look at this bright picture, braindamage will be caused:

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » 2004-12-29 06:50pm

That's pretty.

Mayabird · Post by **Mayabird** » 2004-12-30 01:01am

That image about killed this horrible home dialup connection.

Though on topic, I'm sure some study has shown that if a lot of rats are exposed to nothing but radiation from computer screens, they're going to have a very slightly higher rate of cancer. This study is probably similar to many others that prove that if you feed rats one certain substance in exclusion of all others some of them will have a higher rate of getting cancer.

Winston Blake · Post by **Winston Blake** » 2004-12-30 01:05am

This is almost as silly as people worrying about eating microwaved food since the radiation will give you cancer. The word 'radiation' seems to set off people's 'Run Away!' alarms, as if there's only one kind or its the only carcinogen.

As to how much light comes out of monitors, just go to google at night and turn all the lights off. It's not such a good idea to stare at a light bulb all day long, so it's always good to have lots of ambient light rather than slouching in the dark in front of the computer at 2am, drooling.

Xon · Post by **Xon** » 2004-12-30 04:04am

Shinova wrote:So how much radiation comes out of the monitor compared to say, the sun or concrete, etc?

A TV/monitor is an electron gun pointed at a layer of chemicals on a glass screen. The chemicals absorb the electrons and emit light. Because of the chemical layer is behind the glass(and glass itself is fairly inert stuff), you can off the bad ignore Alpha or beta radiation. And the stuff isnt powerful enough to generate gamma radiation by any streach of the imagination.

As for UV or higher it emits levels wihch are next to nothing. Colour spectrum emissions is one branch of science which is well and truely nailed down. Emiting in frequencies higher or lower than the visible light spectrum is a waste of energy and efficency. Using less power to drive the electron gun reaps bigger savings on the components that the chemical layer they use.

This link looks like a good explanation of why it causes inefficiencies to have the TV/monitor emit UV light.

kheegster · Post by **kheegster** » 2004-12-30 05:31am

But LCD monitors are pretty harmless though?

CDS · Post by **CDS** » 2004-12-30 05:36am

To quote the website linked by ggs:

Newer thin or flat panel computer monitors and all laptop/notebook computer screens are Liquid Crystal type displays (LCDs). Televisions are now available with screens using both LCD and plasma technology. Neither should be confused with the similar-sounding term: "flat screen" which almost always are CRTs (see above) that have a flat screen face.

We have attempted to measure any UV that might be radiated from LCD screens (we have not yet measured plasma screens) and were unable to detect any UVA or UVB using meters capable of measuring as low as 1 microwatt per square centimeter in the UVA and UVB spectrum.

Fuzzy · Post by **Fuzzy** » 2005-01-04 07:35pm

kheegan wrote:But LCD monitors are pretty harmless though?

I think the general idea is that all monitors are pretty harmless.

Drooling Iguana · Post by **Drooling Iguana** » 2005-01-04 09:33pm

Shinova wrote:How much comes out?

Like all parents, my parents often tell me to stay off the computer when I can, saying that the radiation could cause cancer in the future. I think some of that is bull.

So how much radiation comes out of the monitor compared to say, the sun or concrete, etc?

Sounds like a good excuse to get them to buy you a flat-panel display.

wolveraptor · Post by **wolveraptor** » 2005-01-04 10:43pm

i can't imagine being told to wear sun-screen before going on the computer

aerius · Post by **aerius** » 2005-01-04 11:34pm

kheegan wrote:But LCD monitors are pretty harmless though?

Yup, unless someone beats you over the head with one.

They're basically a bunch of liquid crystals doing their dance with a light behind them. It's about as harmful as a lightbulb.

Stofsk · Post by **Stofsk** » 2005-01-05 01:19am

Granted that monitors are harmless in that they don't cause cancer (and really, that has got to be the first time I've ever read something like that...), but what kind of effect does it have on your eyes? Maddox at one point said "you're essentially staring into a lightbulb for hours on end" - so what kind of effect and damage do monitors and TV screens do to your eyes? Any at all?

Xon · Post by **Xon** » 2005-01-05 05:32am

I'ld be more worried about RSI(repetitive strain injury) and sitting wrong.

The effects on the eyes are way down on the list with a half/way descent modern monitor.

SyntaxVorlon · Post by **SyntaxVorlon** » 2005-01-05 11:43am

ggs wrote:I'ld be more worried about RSI(repetitive strain injury) and sitting wrong.

The effects on the eyes are way down on the list with a half/way descent modern monitor.

Are there dangers also in attempting to type with the left hand?

premiergordon · Post by **premiergordon** » 2005-01-05 02:39pm

to get any effect of radiation from a monitor/tv you'd have to sit in front of one of like 40 years 24/7. and if you do that... well i won't say

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2005-01-05 02:49pm

When I was at Ontario Hydro we tried putting low-level environmental ionizing radiation monitoring tags on a monitor, and couldn't pick up anything beyond normal background radiation.

PS. Living at a higher altitude will increase your radiation exposure more than sitting in front of a computer monitor. I hope you don't live in Denver.

Miles Teg · Post by **Miles Teg** » 2005-01-05 02:59pm

You won't get cancer from a CRT monitor.

True, it is basically a moderate sized electron gun, but there is also several cm of lead armor between you and the electron stream. That's one reason monitors (and and CRT) are so bloody heavy =)

Miles Teg

Drooling Iguana · Post by **Drooling Iguana** » 2005-01-05 03:30pm

Yes, but lead is also teh evil now, dont'cha know?

Xon · Post by **Xon** » 2005-01-05 03:33pm

SyntaxVorlon wrote:
ggs wrote:I'ld be more worried about RSI(repetitive strain injury) and sitting wrong.

The effects on the eyes are way down on the list with a half/way descent modern monitor.
Are there dangers also in attempting to type with the left hand?

I would recommend alternating hands between sessions, and taking regular breaks form the computer with plenty of stretching exercises

Fuzzy · Post by **Fuzzy** » 2005-01-05 04:54pm

Drooling Iguana wrote:Yes, but lead is also teh evil now, dont'cha know?

Behind glass? Duh?

Drooling Iguana · Post by **Drooling Iguana** » 2005-01-05 04:57pm

Still evil. It'll escape at night and kill you while you sleep.

Fuzzy · Post by **Fuzzy** » 2005-01-05 05:00pm

Point conceded.

Symmetry · Post by **Symmetry** » 2005-01-07 02:24am

Shinova wrote:How much comes out?

You see that light coming from the monitor? Thats EM radiation. Thats most of what comes out of

Like all parents, my parents often tell me to stay off the computer when I can, saying that the radiation could cause cancer in the future. I think some of that is bull.

So how much radiation comes out of the monitor compared to say, the sun or concrete, etc?

You don't have to worry. The photons you have to worry about are the energetic high frequency ones that can snap chemical bonds and so mess you up. The stuff coming from your monitor is all visual frequency or lower, so there really aren't any long term potential health hazards.

StarDestroyer.Net BBS

EM radiation from computer monitors

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