[Evaluation of the optical properties of video display terminals]

Video display terminals (VDTs) pose to these operating then professionally risks resulting from optical properties of the screen, lighting conditions and organization of VDT workplaces. The latest Polish VDTs have been tested to determine their ultraviolet and infrared radiation, screen luminance depth and light reflection factors of the casing, key-buttons and documents serving as information sources. The ultraviolet and infrared radiation did not reach a health-hazardous level, however the light reflection factors were highly differentiated and showed unsuitable distribution inside the operator's visual field; the luminance pulsation of the screen exhibits a considerable depth. The findings promoted defining some rules of the proper use of VDTs.