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VDTs: field levels, epidemiology, and laboratory studies
Health Physics
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Extensive research indicates that working with video display terminals (VDTs) does not increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Epidemiological studies and animal research show no significant association between VDT use and pregnancy complications.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Reproductive Epidemiology
- Electromagnetic Field Exposure
Background:
- Growing use of video display terminals (VDTs) has prompted concerns about potential risks to pregnancy outcomes.
- A specific focus has been on very low frequency (VLF) magnetic fields emitted by VDTs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between VDT work and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion and congenital malformations.
- To review existing epidemiological and experimental evidence regarding VDT exposure and reproductive health.
Main Methods:
- Review of ten international epidemiological studies on VDT operators and pregnancy outcomes.
- Analysis of findings from rodent and avian embryo studies exposed to VLF magnetic fields.
- Assessment of VLF electric and magnetic field measurements against established safety standards.
Main Results:
- Nine out of ten epidemiological studies found no link between VDT work and spontaneous abortion or congenital malformations.
- Animal studies yielded inconsistent results, with some reporting effects and others showing no association.
- Measured VLF electric and magnetic fields at operator positions comply with international safety guidelines.
Conclusions:
- Current epidemiological evidence does not support an association between VDT work and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Experimental data on VLF magnetic field exposure in animals are inconclusive.
- VDT use is considered safe concerning reproductive health risks based on available evidence.