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Extremely low frequency electromagnetic emissions from video display terminals and other devices
Health Physics
|September 1, 1983
Summary
Electromagnetic emissions from video display terminals (VDTs) were measured. Extremely low frequency (ELF) emissions were found to be too low to pose any health risks.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Electromagnetic field (EMF) research
- Human-computer interaction
Background:
- Video display terminals (VDTs) are ubiquitous in modern workplaces.
- Concerns exist regarding potential health effects from VDT electromagnetic emissions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the health effects of electromagnetic emissions from VDTs.
- To measure and analyze extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields emitted by VDTs.
Main Methods:
- Measured magnetic field intensity and frequency spectrum (5-500 Hz) for several VDTs.
- Compared VDT emissions to background field intensities and emissions from other devices.
Main Results:
- VDT emissions in the investigated ELF range were of very low intensity.
- Measured intensities were significantly lower than background levels and emissions from other common devices.
Conclusions:
- VDT emissions at extremely low frequencies are unlikely to cause biological effects.
- Electromagnetic emissions from VDTs do not represent a significant health hazard.