Electromagnetic Radiation And Its Effects

The second category of health effects has to do with various kinds of invisible radiation given off by the computer. These include very low levels of X-rays, visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light and electromagnetic fields.

PCBs can be released by VDTs, especially the older models.

Ultrasound, other noises, photochemical oxidants and a large electrostatic field are also generated by a computer.

Elf Waves

Extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic waves are produced by high voltage power lines, neighbourhood transformers, and from the front, sides, and back of the VDT screen.

Electrical appliances also give off ELF waves which drop off rapidly within a short distance of the appliance. Most appliances are only used for a short period of time. However, hairdressers who use blow dryers for hours at a time maybe at increased risk. It may be helpful to point the back of the dryer away from the user's body.

In contrast, electric blankets and electrically heated water beds as well as ceiling cable electric heat expose people to continuous ELF electromagnetic fields whose effects could be harmful (in one study causing increased miscarriage rates). Certainly it would not be advisable to add this exposure to that of full-time work on the computer.

Most recently, concern has focused around the long-term health effects of ELF electromagnetic waves on body structure and function since these waves can penetrate to the cell level. Studies done to date show that chronic exposure to ELF waves may cause lowered immunity and adverse effects on the nervous system, blood cell growth, and fetal growth.

A comprehensive three part article on the possible effects of ELF radiation on the human body appeared in THE NEW YORKER magazine (June 12, 19, and 26, 1989). Written by Paul Brodeur, author of CURRENTS OF DEATH: Power Lines, Computer Terminals and the Attempt to Cover Up Their Threat to Your Health (Simon and Shuster, 1989), the series details the results of studies done so far and how this information has been kept from the public.

Dr. Samuel Becker is one of the world's leading researchers in electricity and regeneration. He has written an excellent overview of the effects of electromagnetic radiation on your health, entitled, CROSSCURRENTS; THE PERILS OF ELECTROPOLLUTION AND THE PROMISE OF ELECTROMEDICINE (St. Martin's Press, 1990). This book not only details the risks and benefits, it also gives concrete suggestions on how to reduce exposure in your home and office.

Researchers at John Hopkins University's School of Public Hygiene and Health reported recently that preliminary results of a study involving more than 50,000 linemen at the New York Telephone Company showed increased rates for all cancers, especially leukemia. In 1992, a Swedish study showed that men exposed to high levels of electromagnetic fields at work had three times the expected rate of leukemia.

MICROWAVE NEWS, a newsletter that specializes in the health effects of electromagnetic fields and edited by Dr. Louis Slesin, reported in its May/June/90 issue that top officials at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States deleted a staff recommendation that ELF electromagnetic fields be classified as probable human carcinogens after a White House briefing. According to Microwave News, "Their recommendation was based on a two year review of the health effects literature. By designating ELF fields as probable human carcinogens, the EPA staff would have put them in a general class with PCBs, DDT and formaldehyde." The final report was issued without any recommendations.

Currently more than 22 studies are underway in 12 different countries on the potential link between ELF fields and cancer.

The largest occupational health study in the world on ELF effects, was done at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. The study was funded by Ontario Hydro, Hydro-Quebec and Electricite de France, and involves 52,000 workers in 600 different jobs.