In the present economy the home office is fast becoming a necessity for those that are looking to make ends meet without sacrificing their lives to a dreary high rise. Few of us are aware, however, that in assembling our home work space careful consideration must be taken not to turn our homes into toxic incubators.
The Computer or Video Display Unit (VDU):
In the last twenty years computers have worked themselves into a position in our homes that ranks as high as the phone and the television. In fact, many believe the computer or VDU is well on its way toward replacing these and many other home electronic devices. It might be very useful to consider the impact that computers are having on our health.
Over 90% of VDU operators (people that use computers) suffer from tired or sore eyes, eyestrain, stress, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and muscular problems.
VDUs produce eight different kinds of radiation:
X-rays: They are given off as a secondary emission from the impact of high-speed electrons on the viewing screen, and from the electrodes of the beam gun. X-rays can cause genetic damage, cancer, miscarriages, birth defects, and premature aging and they can affect fertility.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation : This is given off from the excitation of the phosphors on the inner surface of the screen. The glass should normally absorb most of the UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and premature aging. People suffering from photosensitive epilepsy could experience an increase in epileptic fits.
Infrared radiation: It is produced from the heat generated on the viewing screen by the impact of electrons on the phosphors. The infrared radiation can cause cataracts.
Microwave radiation: The sweep oscillator circuits produce this. Microwave radiation can cause cataracts, miscarriages, birth defects, genetic damage, cancer, blood disorders, and it can affect the central nervous system as well as fertility.
Radio frequency fields: They are generated by the electrical pulses which cause the beam to go on and off at a frequency of up to 11 MHz. They are also generated by pulsations coming from the oscillator circuits. They can have the following effects: Cataracts, miscarriage, birth defects, blood disorders, central nervous system effects, and cancer.
Very low frequency (VLF) fields: Electrical pulses used to move the beam horizontally generate frequencies at 15 to 20 kHz. They can have effects on the central nervous system, the immune system, and cell membranes. They may also cause miscarriages, birth defects, and infertility.
Extremely low frequency (ELF) fields: Frequencies between 50 and 100 Hz are produced from the electrical pulses, which cause the beam to move vertically in order to refresh the full frame on the screen. They can cause blood disorders, leukemia, cancer, disrupted cell growth, miscarriages, birth defects, endocrinologic changes, and infertility.
Static electricity:. This is produced as a result of the electrical power used to operate the device as well as from the electron beam which is directed on to the screen and the fly back transformer. Static can cause skin complaints.
The amounts of radiation emitted by a VDU are low, but VDU users and persons sitting behind the VDU are exposed to the radiation for longer periods. Therefore radiation is to be considered as a serious health hazard when working with a VDU or in an office with VDU workplaces.
The Printer:
Laser printers produce the poisonous gases (acetone and freon 113). A concentration of these gases causes headaches, nausea and irritations of the eyes, the nose, and the throat. A dryness in the upper respiratory passages can be felt. Dust is given off by toner used with the laser printer and by paper. Acids, which are produced by heating the toner and paper, can cause skin irritations such as rashes or eczema.
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