Where does the radiation from the computer come from? Is the radiation from a computer monitor, tablet screen and phone harmful? The main dangers posed by a computer

Electromagnetic radiation threatens mainly those who spend days hugging the ancient huge "monitor" pictured here. And almost no one has such. But let's give more more important tips, which, for all their simplicity, can really save your health and vision.

The main problem with modern LED displays (including smartphones) is the blue glow, which accelerates the aging of the body, as scientists have found.

Long-term exposure to blue light emitted from a phone, tablet, laptop or computer screen can damage the retina of the eyes and accelerate aging, scientists from Oregon State University warn. The study was published in the journal Aging and Mechanisms of Disease.

The solution could be e-ink screens without backlighting, like most e-books... It is a pity that computer monitors of this type are still small (12 inches) and too expensive (from 60,000 rubles).

And, of course, you need to protect your eyesight:

1. While working with the screen, take breaks for 10-15 minutes every hour, relax, look into the distance. LED lamp right in the eyes of anyone has not yet helped to save eyesight.

2. Do EYE EXERCISES (roll your eyes, etc.).

- Watch out for the LIGHTING: electric light should not be too bright, but also do not make yourself a "movie theater", working in front of the monitor in a dark room. And there MUST NOT BE GLARES on the screen.

3. Install free program Ascendic Night shift(or Blue Light Filter, or F.lux).
Such a program makes it much easier for the eyes to work with the monitor. For example, before installing Flux on my computer, and Ascendic Night Shift on my phone, my eyes were very tired after 10 minutes of working at the screen. And so I installed this application. I even forgot about the old pains in my eyes, I don't feel them anymore. The program makes the image on the monitor warmer (in terms of color temperature), and it becomes more suitable for vision. The same thing is written by other people using similar programs.

4. MOVE! Sitting motionlessly in front of a screen for a long time is worse than any radiation. It is fraught with fatigue, hemorrhoids, osteochondrosis, diabetes and other "delights".

This problem can be solved by taking regular breaks. Do simple exercises, go outside often, breathe fresh air. Working for a long time, change your body position, get up, walk around. In your free time, go for more walks, play sports.

NOW ABOUT RADIATION

1. Regarding "X-ray" radiation from monitors, you should not be particularly afraid of it.
In "ancient" monitors on cathode ray tubes (CRT) it is within the normal range, while liquid crystal monitors do not have it at all.
2. But to electromagnetic field should be taken seriously.

Electromagnetic field namely electron beam the monitor (see illustration) is large enough to be harmful to your health. This is especially true for pregnant women. Some experts believe that the electromagnetic field can adversely affect the embryo from the moment of conception and throughout the first months of pregnancy.

From such a monitor, the field spreads to the sides and especially backward from it at a distance of 1-1.5 m. (Therefore, according to the rules, no one should sit BACK of the cathode-ray monitor).

The overwhelming majority of you have a liquid crystal monitor for a long time, and although it also creates an electromagnetic field, it is not as intense and harmful as in electron beam screens. Therefore, in terms of security liquid crystal preferable.

What to do if you have to work with an electron beam monitor like the one shown in the picture?

First, Monique is preferred, TCO-95, TCO-99 compliant or later. Such monitors have built-in protection against electromagnetic radiation (built-in protective shield, special foil inside the case), and therefore they are almost safe. But, for this protection to work, The CRT box must be CORRECTLY grounded... Therefore, if you want to protect yourself from electromagnetic field please call an electrician to properly ground your monitor. Grounding MUST NOT be made to the operating zero of the power supply system, battery or water pipe!

In the press, articles are constantly appearing about what kind of harmful radiation comes from computers and, in particular, from monitors. Yes, there is radiation. But not much more than most household appliances... And many times below the permissible standards. However, some hotheads are fanning this topic. And in order to further draw attention to it, they say about the radiation emanating from the monitors.

Since Chernobyl, the radiation panic has exceeded every conceivable limit. Many people are ready to believe anything when they hear the word "radiation". Computers do not, and cannot be, the kind of radiation that took place in Hiroshima or Chernobyl. All sources of such radiation are tightly controlled by governments and certainly not put into computers.
Once, while still a student, I studied Belarusian Railways within the walls of the institute. One of the topics of this subject was radioactive radiation. It was then that an electronic dosimeter fell into my hands. I share the measurement results with you:

    surrounding objects (table, walls, clothes): 10 mR / h;

    clothes of students from Sarov (nuclear center): 12 mR / h;

    glassware in the laboratory: 14 mR / h;

    basement walls: 13 mR / h;

    a piece of granite: 20 mR / h;

    screen off monitor (CRT, 1993 release): 7 mR / h;

    the screen of the same monitor in the maximum resolution mode: 14 mR / h;

    sample of material from Chernobyl (the size of a nail in a box of lead): 150,000,000 mR / h.

People who talk about computer radiation have confused the monitor with a nuclear reactor. The computer does not emit any radioactive particles (alpha, beta, gamma, neutron).
The word "radiation" is literally translated as "radiation" in the PC documentation. The same word in English denotes direct bright light - solar radiation - solar radiation. When working at any of the modern monitors, the user absorbs significantly less radiation than when walking on a sunny street. Perhaps the usual "solar" radiation can be harmful, but here the role of the PC monitor is not noticeable against the general background.

But where did the belief about radiation come from then? From bad knowledge of English language and the inscription on the monitor "Low Radiation". Correct translation into Russian means "low level of electromagnetic radiation". The computer really emits this radiation, like any electrical device, including a coffee maker. It emits especially strongly electro magnetic fields CRT monitor. We "grab" no less dose of electromagnetic radiation from a TV, vacuum cleaner, trolleybus, and if there is an electrical wiring near your bed, it will be worse than a computer.
Nevertheless, there are people who believe even the ancient joke that cacti protect from radiation (it was invented without any reason by one of the FidoNet users). There are even publications in which cactus needles are compared with antennae mustaches, formulas are given and theorems are proved. Alas, if everything was as it is written in these articles, then radars would not work on the territory of Mexico. And they work. And no worse than in any other country. The harsh truth of life is that the presence of plants does not in any way affect the level of radiation from the monitor. Rather, plants evoke positive emotions in the grower than they have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, negating the harmful effects of electromagnetic fields on it (the nervous system).
The problem of electromagnetic safety when working on displays has not received correct arguments for or against by now and remains open. The debate about the role of electromagnetic radiation in the health problems of computer users is still ongoing. Without disputing the fact that monitors, like televisions, emit some types of electromagnetic energy, some believe that personnel diseases have nothing to do with them. Others believe that radiation is dangerous and can cause various pathologies, including cancer. And as soon as the words "cancer", "oncology", "malignant tumor" are pronounced, hysteria immediately arises in society.
CRT monitors are the source of almost all types of radiation. But, it should be noted that other electrical devices create magnetic fields of much higher intensity. So, for example, a fax at a distance of 30 cm creates a field of 300-600 nT, and a copier at the same distance creates a field of 2100-3100 nT. A monitor manufactured in 1993 emits 200 nT under the same measurement conditions. Newer monitors are even smaller: 2-25 nT. However, unlike a fax or a photocopier, the problem of electromagnetic radiation emanating from personal computers becomes quite acute, due to the fact that a PC user works at a close distance for a long time.
The reason for the ambiguity of opinions is the research methodology. By proving the impact of one factor, it is very difficult to exclude the impact of others. Sometimes this becomes the reason for obtaining unreliable results or ambiguous conclusions. One landmark study found that lung cancer is more common in people who shave their faces with electric razors. Indeed, all statistical calculations were performed without a single error. Men are more likely to suffer from lung cancer. Men shave more often than women. Accordingly, the conclusion was correct: lung cancer is more common in people who shave. It is not far from here to accusations against firms that produce "cancer-provoking" household appliances.
The situation is approximately the same with the electromagnetic hazard of monitors. To date, a significant number of experimental studies have been carried out in the world. But there is no definite answer, and it is not expected in the near future.
To deny the general effect of monitors on health in such conditions is at least unreasonable. But, speaking about the prevention of malignant neoplasms, it is worth noting that electromagnetic fields play an insignificant role in comparison with other factors. And if you have already decided to prevent cancer in yourself, then you need to start with simpler things: quit smoking, drink alcohol in moderation, exercise regularly and monitor body weight. These simple and timely measures taken will actually reduce the risk of cancer by several times.
And in conclusion, let us consider in more detail the radiation from the monitor (given in the full format of the book - editor's note).
The computer system unit also emits. But it is made of iron from all sides. Provided it is grounded, electromagnetic radiation cannot escape from it. And if the body is made with plastic windows or in general from plastic? Do you think plastic is capable of creating a barrier to such radiation? So a stylish modded case, with plastic windows and light bulbs inside, may not be so attractive.

Now almost everyone has a computer - a personal computer (PC) or laptop. With the development of the Internet and social networks people began to spend more and more time at computers. Most jobs also have a PC in their arsenal. For a modern person, a computer is a part of life. People spend more time watching them than watching TV. On the one hand, all this makes our life easier and brings our own entertainment. On the other hand, it is harmful electromagnetic radiation from a computer, noise and vibration. Few people have thought about this, but still it is a fact.

The noise is created by moving elements - coolers, hard drives and a drive. Of course, in decibels, these are small values, but they are constant. quite small and easy to clean in one of three ways:

Computer repair (lubrication or replacement of components);

Working at the computer with headphones;

Buying a new PC.

Noise is the easiest thing that affects a person from a computer.

Vibration is another matter. Of course, they are not radiation from a computer, but they will still be worse than noise. Vibrations are created by the same rotating elements. In fact, they can also be removed and even easier - rearranged on the floor or further away. But they cannot be written off as a harmful factor. If we consider the maximum negative effects from a computer, then still the first places are occupied by radiation from the computer and damage to the user's eyesight.

The first include such computer radiation:

1. electromagnetic;

2. electrostatic;

3. X-ray.

Immediately it is worth discarding the latter, since it is relevant only for CRT monitors, i.e. containing an electro-ray tube in the structure. And she, as you know, is already a relic of the past. Modern PCs are LCD or LED monitors and system unit.

Also more related to the CRT generation, but it is also present in modern monitors. This type of radiation from a computer is generated exclusively by your monitor. He ranks first in danger, since a person is located facing the source. Thus, the radiation is directed directly at the brain. But there is no need to panic and throw out your computer. This radiation is rather small and will not be able to bring much harm. Some users use a special screen or film to protect against it. This gives them confidence and hope.

Residual electrostatic radiation occurs in all electrical appliances. Of course, it would be better not to have anything to do with him, but there is no escape from him. Even commonplace sockets have little What to say about high voltage power lines, which often run near your home?

There is also electromagnetic radiation, the effect on the human body of which is not yet understood - has not been studied. For example, such radiation from the elements of the system unit. Remember the epic when the panic began about mobile phones... Allegedly, they are harmful which affect the brain and potency in men. In practice, it turned out not quite so. Yes, radiation exists, but its effect has not been proven. The same situation is with the components of a PC or laptop.

Undoubtedly, any radiation to a person is not normal. On the other hand, there is adaptation - the body's ability to adapt. In terms of exceptions, the impact of tablet iPad computers proven to be harmless. This is what allowed Apple to get on board the aircraft of American companies in the form of pilot assistants. Whether this is so - time will tell. Nevertheless, it is still forbidden to use mobile phones on airplanes due to the possible interference of the device's radiation into the aircraft systems.

Today, more and more people are starting to use computers on a regular basis, so many are wondering if there is any harm from using a computer. A computer, like any other electrical device, emits electromagnetic radiation into the environment.

But how harmful is this electromagnetic radiation from a computer to human health?

Harm to health of radiation from a computer

Radiation from a personal computer travels in the form of high frequency electromagnetic waves. These waves are generated by almost all PC elements. Many specialists in the field of medicine prove that this computer electromagnetic radiation has a negative effect on the state of the body. Electromagnetic radiation is a disturbance of the electromagnetic field propagating in space, which was generated by a certain source. Certain electromagnetic waves can negatively affect the human body.

Radiation can be of different frequencies, for which high-frequency radio emission is considered the most harmful.

The most harmful is radio emission from a CRT monitor, the exposure power can reach several tera. But monitors based on a cathode ray tube are already a thing of the past. The negative impact lies in the principle of operation of such a monitor. Inside there is a kinescope, inside which electrons are accelerated and hit against the back of the screen. It is this process that generates a fairly powerful electromagnetic radiation. Such monitors have a particularly strong effect on vision, so it is not recommended to work with such PCs for a long time.

Liquid crystal or plasma monitors do not carry any harm in the form of radiation, since during their operation the generation of powerful electromagnetic fields is excluded. Such monitors can only harm the eyes, but the radiation has nothing to do with it. The harm lies in the fact that in the process of long work, the eyes strain too much, therefore it is recommended to take breaks during the work.

In a modern computer, the most intense radio emission generates CPU... In desktop computers, this element is located at a certain distance from the user, so it will not cause significant harm. In the case of a laptop, the central processor is in close proximity to a person, so the radiation exposure becomes stronger.

Many have noticed that in a room where a computer has been working for a long time, the air becomes somehow heavy. This effect is manifested due to the effect of ionizing radiation on the air.

During the operation of the PC, the mainboards electrify the air due to which the molecules that make up the air around us are ionized. Ionized air under certain circumstances (for example, a long stay in a room with electrified air) can be harmful to health.

Radiation protection


There is still some harm from the computer, so it would be useful to protect against electromagnetic radiation from a personal computer. If the PC is equipped with a monitor that works on the basis of a cathode-ray tube, it is necessary to work at the PC so that there is a distance of at least 1 meter between the face and the screen, so the radiation from the CRT monitor will not have too strong an effect on the body.

In the case of a desktop computer, the system unit should be located as far away from the user as possible. If several computers work in the same room (for example, in an office), it is necessary to place them so that there is at least two meters between the computers.

If you are working on a laptop, then it is advisable not to hold it on your lap. This not only minimizes the effects of radiation, but also allows for more efficient ventilation of the case. When working with a laptop, you need to place it on a flat surface, while, as in the case of a desktop, the distance between the user's face and the monitor should be about one meter.

When working with a laptop for a long time, you need to periodically take short breaks, this will help relax your eyes.

Electrified air protection


In order to protect yourself from the air electrified by the computer, it is necessary to put air ionizers into the room. These are devices that freshen the air with negative ions, thanks to which it becomes easy and pleasant to breathe. Also, ionizers help to cope with other contaminants, for example, if you smoked in the room, then these devices will help remove the smell of tobacco from the room.

You also need to ventilate the air in the room where the PC is installed more often. In the case of an office, efficient ventilation is required. Thanks to good ventilation, the air in the room will always be clean and fresh, regardless of how many computers are working there.

Peripherals

No computer is complete without peripherals, mice, keyboards, printers, all of this surrounds us. Recently, many users have started buying themselves wireless peripherals. They communicate with the computer through electromagnetic waves, which causes additional electromagnetic radiation.

Therefore, if you do not want to face excessive radiation, it is recommended to choose models of peripherals that communicate with the computer via a cable, and not electromagnetic waves. Such models will not only reduce the harmful effects of radiation, but will save you the need to constantly recharge batteries or buy new batteries. Also, wired models are much cheaper than their wireless counterparts.

Also, quite strong radiation comes from sources uninterruptible power supply... After the measurements, it was found out what kind of radiation they give, it turned out that it is comparable in power only to the radiation from monitors operating on the basis of a cathode-ray tube. Therefore, if there is no way to refuse them, you need to hide these devices somewhere far away.

Do plants help you cope with radiation?


It is believed that indoor plants (especially cacti) are able to protect the user from radiation. Therefore, plants can often be found next to personal computers... Plants do not absorb radiation from the computer, so do not furnish workplace plants in order to protect themselves from such a phenomenon as an electromagnetic field. A small flower can only decorate the workplace with its appearance.

Output

Despite the fact that the computer emits electromagnetic waves and can cause, though not significant, but still harmful to health, it remains an important element of life for many people. Many users understand that they cannot spend too much time at the computer, but still sit in front of the monitor for several hours a day. Since today it is quite difficult to do without a PC.

If you feel fatigue, drowsiness, headache, this may be a symptom of excessive radiation. The best solution in such a situation there will be rest. You just need to get up from the workplace for a couple of hours and everything will go away at once.

By adhering to a few simple rules, you can minimize the negative impact of electromagnetic radiation on the body. But it is worth remembering that, even using the most modern means of protection, it is impossible to completely protect yourself from radiation.

The global application of the computer has burst into the life of every person. Like all electrical appliances, it emits electromagnetic radiation, and if its amount is large, accordingly, the harm to the body is rather big. If you use it rationally, and do not sit at the monitor for days, it is useful.

A smart computer is beneficial

The most dangerous part of a computer is its back wall, not a monitor, as many think. The source of the electromagnetic field is also an old-style cathode-ray tube, a supply voltage inverter, control circuits and other components. Portable computers are harmful, since the radiation from them is stronger due to the fact that they are close to a person.

There is practically no knowledge about the harm caused by electromagnetic radiation produced by office equipment. This is due to the fact that Newest technologies are present in the modern world not so long ago. But some facts of influence on the human body due to radiation from a computer have been established.

  • Radiation from the computer affects the immune system, reducing it.
  • Affects the neuro-emotional system of a person.
  • Radiation has a negative effect on pregnancy, as well as on the unborn baby.
  • From the first time, all these problems do not appear, they are characterized by a long course of time.

Protective factors when working at a computer

To warn a person against harm caused by technology. It is necessary to use protective equipment when working with it.

  • The distance from the person to the monitor must be at least 50 centimeters, or even more.
  • In order to reduce harm to the body, it is necessary to use a liquid crystal screen, since electromagnetic radiation is caused by the electro-ray tube of an old-style monitor.
  • For safety, the system unit is placed away from a person. If necessary, turn off the computer or use a special hibernation mode.
  • Compliance with the regime of rest and work at the monitor. Do not overload the human body with the harmful effects of technology, or even do not sit down at it unnecessarily.
  • Arrange short pauses every hour of work, for 15 minutes, or use any free minute for this. Look into the distance, do an eye exercise.
  • To maintain excellent vision or improve reduced vision, for protection, special "computer glasses" are used. You can benefit from them, when using them, tension in the eyes is relieved.

Influence of the computer on pregnancy

The electromagnetic field affects the human body and even more so on pregnancy

Almost all electronic technology an electromagnetic field emanates, which affects the human body and even more so on pregnancy. Little has been proven about the depth of the impact of these waves on the development of pregnancy; in any case, doctors do not recommend sitting near the monitor. What harm do pregnant women do to themselves and future children by sitting for a long time near computers?

  • Prolonged sitting position affects pregnancy by disrupting metabolism, blood circulation in the lower body and blood stagnation. This negatively affects the uterus and the brought state is fraught with the formation of hemorrhoids for a woman, and for the fetus with a violation of blood flow.
  • Pregnancy, with its extra pounds, carries a great load on the woman's body, namely on the spine. When a pregnant woman sits for a long time near the monitor, the center of gravity of the body shifts and osteochondrosis and various joint diseases can develop.
  • With prolonged work at the computer, vision decreases, especially for women who already have eye problems (myopia) in the past. Pregnancy and the postpartum state in such mothers provokes the progression of the disease.
  • Office equipment is harmful to pregnancy, from the side of mental health. The expectant mother may experience irritation, depressive symptoms, and fatigue.

Benefits for children from a computer

If the workplace is not properly organized, the computer can harm the child.

Every child's perception of the world is not complete without the use of modern gadgets. The use of a computer lies in the development of memory, thinking, the ability to calculate your actions several steps ahead, and promotes creativity. During the game, children form motor activity, hand-eye coordination, and are involved in unexpected situations, make independent decisions.

For greater benefit for children and women during pregnancy, standard norms have been introduced when working at a computer. There are circumstances under which a child can be without harm for a long time in front of the monitor. These include - the workplace is well equipped with special furniture, the occupation is correctly chosen, the intended work behind the LCD display, the ventilation of the room, or the presence of an air conditioner.

Conversely, with the wrong organization of the workplace, generally accepted norms can harm the child instead of benefit. All categories of users of multifunctional devices should adhere to the recommendations in terms of protection. For any person, including a woman during pregnancy, the benefit lies in walking in the fresh air, exercising, and simply airing the room.