| Worried that heavy computer work may be hard | | | | The consensus among members of the scientific |
| on your eyes? Experts say anti-glare screens | | | | community is "No." Studies made by the U.S. |
| may help provided you buy the right type. | | | | Environmental Protection Agency have failed to |
| Consumer Reports said glare or plastic filters tend | | | | show any link between VDTs and these |
| to collect fingertips easily which can be as bad as | | | | conditions. |
| the glare you get from your computer screen. | | | | The truth is radiation coming from a computer is |
| With mesh filters, the images on the screen may | | | | the same as the amount produced by fluorescent |
| appear blurred. To minimize this, place the filter as | | | | light - hardly any cause for alarm. You'll get more |
| close to the screen as possible. | | | | radiation from color TVs but that still isn't enough |
| "Before you spend money on an anti-glare screen, | | | | to do any harm. |
| try rearranging your workplace to reduce glare. If | | | | "The overall result of extensive scientific studies |
| that doesn't do the job, try an inexpensive plastic | | | | shows no conclusive evidence of a radiation |
| mesh filter which should solve most of your | | | | hazard from VDTs. This position is supported by |
| problems," said the editors of Consumer Reports. | | | | the American Medical Association, the American |
| A copy stand should be considered when you're | | | | College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the |
| frequently looking at documents. Place it at an | | | | Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the |
| angle that makes reading comfortable. It should | | | | World Health Organization, and other health |
| be the same height and distance from the eyes | | | | agencies and medical organizations worldwide that |
| as the screen. | | | | have studied the subject." said Jojo Almirante, |
| Work about 14 to 24 inches away from the | | | | associate systems engineer at IBM Philippines in |
| monitor and don't forget to take a 15-minute | | | | PC Digest. |
| break from the computer every two hours. While | | | | "Computers do not pose a danger to health, |
| working, rest your eyes once in a while by looking | | | | contrary to widespread misconceptions that these |
| into the distance. | | | | can cause cancer or other health risks to women |
| What about radiation? Will it make you blind? | | | | or children," added the editors of Health Alert, a |
| Computer monitors or video display terminals | | | | publication of the Health Action Information |
| (VDTs) normally emit low-frequency radiation | | | | Network. |
| which some sectors have blamed for miscarriages | | | | Given these facts, it's time to stop worrying and |
| in women and leukemia in others. Should you be | | | | start-using your computer. |
| concerned too? | | | | |