Modern technology has afforded us with so much convenience and with a whole lot of advancements in all aspects of our daily lives, that most of us probably wouldn’t be able to even imagine ever going back to those primitive days which haven’t yet seen the light of digital technology. Probably the average individual would almost cringe with the mere idea of living without GPS, cable TV, cellular phones, various tools and gadgets that do not just assist us with almost all of our errands, tasks and undertakings, they too, undeniably, are endless sources of fun and entertainment. How can we ever still turn our backs to this wonderful dawn of the age of information technology where everyday, our ever trusty computers in all their amazing and varied forms, very well connects us with an information super highway where possibilities just seem so endless. Where information is free and knowledge has no bounds or limits. We can now communicate with all kinds of people from places we may never even set foot in our entire lives. We transact our businesses and we get anything and everything fixed and well taken care of. No vast amount of ocean will again hinder the fascinating idea of fiber-optic technology taking place at unimaginable speeds under those same oceans that has once separated us, but are now the very oceans connecting continents and races like a small village. This unstoppable achievement of mankind to make the world such a small place has undeniably succeeded that every little thing is absolutely just a click away! This has gotten you and me ( this is going to be hard to say and admit) addicted to our computers. My mom being the wise sage that I have always believed she was and will always be, has since been a constant source of reminder to me not to succumb much to long hours of being glued to the computer. She thinks that it probably might be detrimental to my over-all health. She’s no science wiz nor is she a medical expert, but her motherly love and her ever present instinct to be protective of us all took over, that which prompted her to relay to me and to all her other children what she thinks about the computer being a source of radiation. I always try my best to be a good daughter who listens and tries her best to heed advice from those who are wiser and more experienced , so I decided to do a little study and research to find out about what I would hope to be a clearer perspective on computer radiation and what it does to the human body and what a person can do to mitigate the possible ill effects it could bring.

As it turns out, every day, we’re swimming in a sea of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Now, just what is EMR? ( There are a lot of detailed explanations as to what an electromagnetic radiation is, but I came across the simplest one that I think will be helpful in an attempt such as what I am trying to do here, that is to unlock the realities behind a computer user dealing with computer radiation, which prior to this hub, I am totally oblivious to) Electromagnetic radiation basically are waves produced by the motion of electrically charged particles. These waves are called "electromagnetic radiation" because they radiate from electrically charged particles. They travel through empty space as well as through air and other substances. Sources of such are overhead power lines, radio broadcast towers, telephone/television microwave transmission and computer equipment. In essence, they are produced by all electrical appliances. They do emanate from power lines, wiring in buildings, and a slew of other technologies that are part of modern life. From known kitchen appliances such as the microwave oven unto that innocent looking clock radio on your bed side table, to the cellular phone you hold to your ear ( I will be publishing a separate hub on this rather more disturbing concept) and to this very computer you have been staring at and which have been in close proximity to you (for some, probably already a few hours by now). Every electronic device in the world emits a form of electromagnetic field (EMF). This EMF is actually the type of radiation discussed above. It isn’t the same type as the more sinister sounding ones such as uranium or plutonium or the ones known to be responsible for the infamous Chernobyl disaster, rather, it is a non-ionizing radiation. This means that the energy emitted is not strong enough to remove electrons, or ionize the atoms. Instead, it just excites the electrons. Now, this is how I would like to give a more simplistic view on this statement, It might not be strong enough to evoke drastic anatomical (structural) and/ or physiological( functional) alterations to the molecular structures that it comes across with , case in point, the human body and its cellular organizations, but, and this is what I would like to emphasize, it does go through and penetrate, doing what might be detrimental to cellular organizations and functions if it is constant and repeated. I came across with a mention regarding radiation emitted causing premature cell division, wherein cells actually divide before the DNA is correctly established, which may possibly lead to mutation. Mutated cells are weak ones, those of unsound structures, possibly ( and luckily for that matter ) not of the cancer type, but just the same, no one would have a use of those especially in this day and age of widespread pandemic scares of other various diseases that do require a person to be in the best of health. More importantly, everything starts at the cellular level and no one would like to entertain the idea of anything messing around with the basic units of their bodily structures!

Different devices emit different types and amounts of this EMF radiation. A microwave oven emit a high-frequency field that is detectable even a few yards from the microwave. The radiation field generated by most other electronic devices seems to fade out after only a couple of inches. These invisible electromagnetic radiation that surrounds us each day, emanating from diverse sources while undetectable to the human eye, have been proposed by scientists to pose serious health effects. Eventhough they are yet in the task of continuing to unravel the precise health dangers of electromagnetic radiation, it already makes great sense to avoid these potentially dangerous frequencies as much as possible. I would like to make a mention of a few of the recurring health concerns that one would come across with almost all studies with radiation including this non-ionizing type. Most of these studies are not yet conclusive because of the element of time as a major concern because long term effects are concluded in longitudinal studies that do need longer years before they can be finally concluded upon. But It is still quite interesting to note that separate studies do come up with similar and recurring mentions of increase risk of all forms of cancer, tumors, blood disorders, miscarriage, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, aging of the skin, skin burn, and other disturbing claims. They are however being hypothesized by scientists to be risks that are inreased gradually by the cumulative effects of long term exposure. It is then reasonable to say that increased exposure over time is not a very good idea. With computer monitors, it is widely claimed by various studies ( well, I guess it could be said by even just plain and simple observation) that long hours of exposure (because it is held to be greatly similar to UV rays exposure) increase the risk of skin burn, dry wrinkled skin and photo aging. This skin damage is identical to sun damage and causes the same health problems. The computer monitor, even the laptop is an obvious culprit into which the face is in close proximity with during  use for long periods of time with the face absorbing the radiation. Lessening this type of harmful radiation is important.

Now I would like to share what why I have learned in almost a decade of studying the health sciences and the medical field. With regard to radiation, be it the non-ionizing type or the ionizing ones ( X-rays, radiation therapies in cancer treatments, etc.) it is important to consider Time, distance and shielding or TSD. It is greatly helpful to mitigate the harmful or unwanted effects of radiation through the simple tasks of limiting time of exposure and increasing the distance from the source. On both cases the extremes of both should be targeted for maximum benefits. Least amount of exposure time and farthest distance to radiation source so to speak. As to shielding, there are filters that are gaining popularity nowadays. Which can be used with computer screens. But it must be noted that the control towers or the CPU’s are greater sources of radiation, I can’s quite say if there is anything in the market to address that concern but my best bet on this is increasing one's distance from the CPU.

Now what about laptops?

Using a laptop or LCD does not exclude you from the negative health effects of computer radiation. All computer monitors emit low levels of radiation. Laptops and LCD monitors emit less radiation than the old-fashioned CRT monitors. Laptop or notebook computers are one of those devices that are used directly on the body. A User may place a laptop on the lap (essentially at zero distance from the body).. There is a common recommendation though: limit exposure to fields over 2.5 mG. A laptop computer can emit an incredible 150 mG, which is 60 times the recommended amount!

Effects and Solution

Since a laptop is used near the groin area, infertility or birth defects are also believed to be possible. These risks are the results of a few EMF effects. EMF warms body tissue. Normal cellular functions occur at tightly-controlled temperatures. The EMF radiation from a laptop computer can change these temperatures.  I believe it would be a whole lot safer to avoid placing the laptop near the body, a use of a desk or table would be much more advisable.  http://www.harapad.com

I have gathered from various discussions pertaining to computer radiation, practical steps that would mitigate the unwanted effects from exposure to computer radiation:

1. Do some skincare protection before sitting in front of the computer. Apply a layer of facial mask or SPF protection formula to prevent yourself from the hazards of radiation. Remember to rinse your face with water ( alkaline water strongly suggested) to eliminate some electromagnetic radiation particles that may have attached to the surface of your face. Make sure you wash your face promptly after using the computer in order to reduce the amount of radiation on the skin surface. I won't take credit for this thing regarding rinsing off radiation particles that may have settled on the skin surface because it has not provided a detailed rationalization to back up the idea, but I still would like to share what I came across with.

2.. It is advisable to attach a radiation filter plate in front of your computer’s screen to reduce the hazard of radiation. Avoid putting any metal substances within the place where you place your computer as these metal substances may reflect some of the electromagnetic waves. Adjust the brightness of your computer before using it. The brighter the screen the higher the radiation there will be and vice versa. Thus, try to adjust the screen brightness.  Make sure that is not too bright nor too dark that in turn could strain your eyes.  Take note that the brightness of the screen should be one that is comfortable to the eyes.

2. Old computers in general, has more radiation released than new ones that are manufactured with better SAR rates within the same distance.

3. The position where you place your computer is important in reducing radiation. If possible, do not let the back of the screen of your computer face a place where people are walking or passing through. The strongest radiation is released from the back of the screen, followed by the right and left of the screen, while the front screen releases less radiation. Make sure your eyes are placed in a distance of 50 to 75cm away from the screen to reduce the hazard of being exposed to high amounts of electromagnetic radiation from the computer.

4. Pay attention to the indoor ventilation. Recent research shows that the computer screen can produce a carcinogenic substance called bromine dibenzofuran, which is harmful to human health. Studies associate placing a computer in a well ventilated area or by a fan or  cooler with reduced EMR. 

5. Take some foods which are rich in vitamin A and C such as carrots, pineapples, tomatoes and the likes, it is said that Vitamins A nd C are helpful measures that reduce the harmful effects indoor radiation.

Vitamin A which is later synthesised into a substance called rhodopsin, is beneficial to the body when it comes to radiation exposure.

6. It has been suggested that certain kinds of plants, such as cacti can help absorb radiation from computers, and so placing such plants near the area of work may be beneficial. There is no fool proof scientific evidence on this though, because the farthest that a study has gone on this was to observe users ( that had these plants around or near their computer or computer monitors) to be having less bouts of headache and a general feeling of well being that had been shown to improve over time when the cacti were used around. Still, it would not hurt to try.

I would like to mention a gadget that is gaining wide popularity nowadays, a gauss meter, it is a useful tool you can use to measure electromagnetic radiation in your home and work environments. This can be used to help find solutions like rearranging appliances that would help the people at home and at work to be able to avoid being exposed to the most abundant radiation fields.

This whole issue of the ill effects of computer radiation has rather been short of the attention it needs because of the obvious reason that it involves a multi billion business industry that could suffer in the market if a wider campaign regarding its ill effects would take place. I could just imagine unbelievable amounts of money being used just to hold or alter all together results of studies that have been done with unfavorable findings. That is why I believe that consumers and the public in general are the ones who must do what they think will be beneficial for themselves in the long run. For me, aside from the distance issue that I am trying my best to address now, I will probably find some good filters. I will be more generous to myself with the amount of anti-oxidants I consume from natural sources on a daily basis. I will not stop in pursuing my husband to finally get rid of this router in our bedroom ( a major no no, that gives me major headaches, I could just imagine the electromagnetic radiation level that saturates our room! Just the mere thought of it gives me episodes of hypochondriasis nowadays), and I will not stay anymore for long on social networks that have friends and acquaintances posting what they have eaten for lunch or what they have in mind that are sometimes so non-sensical it compells my nose to bleed spontaneously.. How is that for starters? I need discipline on this, maybe a few minutes just to check messages. Now, how about hubbing? Admittedly, that is going to be absolutely hard.