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An Evaluation of Radiation Emission from Video Display Terminals

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Authors not listed · 1981

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Government radiation assessment of 1980s computer monitors established early precedent for evaluating workplace EMF exposure.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1981 government report evaluated radiation emissions from video display terminals (VDTs), the computer monitors widely used in offices during the early computer era. The Bureau of Radiological Health conducted this assessment during growing concerns about potential health effects from workplace VDT exposure. This represents early official recognition that computer displays emit measurable electromagnetic radiation requiring evaluation.

Why This Matters

This 1981 government assessment marks a pivotal moment in EMF health research. The Bureau of Radiological Health's decision to evaluate VDT radiation emissions reflects early recognition that these ubiquitous workplace devices warranted official scrutiny. What makes this particularly significant is the timing - this occurred during the initial wave of computerization in American offices, when millions of workers were suddenly exposed to new sources of electromagnetic radiation for hours daily. The reality is that VDTs of this era emitted far stronger electromagnetic fields than today's LCD monitors, particularly extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation from their cathode ray tube technology. This government attention to VDT emissions helped establish the precedent that new technologies should be evaluated for radiation exposure before widespread adoption - a principle that becomes increasingly relevant as we introduce 5G, WiFi 6, and other powerful wireless technologies into our daily environment.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (1981). An Evaluation of Radiation Emission from Video Display Terminals.
Show BibTeX
@article{an_evaluation_of_radiation_emission_from_video_display_terminals_g4960,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {An Evaluation of Radiation Emission from Video Display Terminals},
  year = {1981},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

VDTs from the 1980s emitted multiple types of electromagnetic radiation, including extremely low frequency (ELF) fields from their cathode ray tube technology, X-rays at very low levels, and radiofrequency emissions from internal electronics.
The Bureau of Radiological Health evaluated VDT emissions due to growing workplace health concerns as millions of office workers began using computer terminals daily during the early computerization of American businesses.
Early VDTs emitted significantly stronger electromagnetic fields than today's LCD monitors, particularly ELF radiation from cathode ray tubes. Modern flat-panel displays produce much lower EMF emissions overall.
VDT operators experienced prolonged daily exposure to electromagnetic fields at close range, typically sitting 18-24 inches from radiation-emitting cathode ray tubes for 6-8 hours during typical work shifts.
This early government assessment helped establish the precedent that new electronic technologies should undergo radiation evaluation before widespread workplace adoption, influencing how we approach EMF assessment today.