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Exposure to electromagnetic fields from laptop use of "laptop" computers.

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Bellieni CV, Pinto I, Bogi A, Zoppetti N, Andreuccetti D, Buonocore G. · 2012

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Laptop power supplies create electrical currents in the body up to 483% above safety limits when used on the lap.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Italian researchers measured electromagnetic fields from five laptops and found that while screens met safety guidelines, the power supplies created electrical currents in users' bodies exceeding safety recommendations by up to 483%. The study concludes laptops shouldn't actually be used on laps due to these excessive exposures.

Why This Matters

This research highlights a critical gap between how we use technology and how it's actually tested for safety. The science demonstrates that laptop power supplies create electrical currents in the body that far exceed international safety guidelines, particularly concerning for pregnant women where fetal exposure reached nearly three times recommended limits. What makes this study particularly significant is that it measured real-world usage patterns, not the artificial testing scenarios typically used by manufacturers. The reality is that laptops are designed and named to suggest lap use, yet this Italian research shows such positioning creates potentially harmful exposures. This adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting our current safety standards may be inadequate for protecting against the biological effects of everyday EMF exposure, especially for vulnerable populations like developing fetuses.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
0.0018 - 0.006 mG

Exposure Context

This study used 0.0018 - 0.006 mG for magnetic fields:

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 0.0018 - 0.006 mGExtreme Concern - 5 mGFCC Limit - 2,000 mGEffects observed in the No Concern rangeFCC limit is 1,111,111x higher than this level

Study Details

The authors measured electromagnetic fields (EMFs) laptop computers produce and estimated the induced currents in the body, to assess the safety of laptop computers.

The authors evaluated 5 commonly used laptop of different brands. They measured EMF exposure produce...

In the LTCs analyzed, EMF values (range 1.8–6 μT) are within International Commission on Non-Ionizin...

Cite This Study
Bellieni CV, Pinto I, Bogi A, Zoppetti N, Andreuccetti D, Buonocore G. (2012). Exposure to electromagnetic fields from laptop use of "laptop" computers. Arch Environ Occup Health. 67(1):31-36, 2012.
Show BibTeX
@article{cv_2012_exposure_to_electromagnetic_fields_851,
  author = {Bellieni CV and Pinto I and Bogi A and Zoppetti N and Andreuccetti D and Buonocore G.},
  title = {Exposure to electromagnetic fields from laptop use of "laptop" computers.},
  year = {2012},
  doi = {10.1080/19338244.2011.564232},
  url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19338244.2011.564232},
}
DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2011.564232

Cited By (45 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, research shows laptop power supplies create electrical currents in pregnant women's bodies that exceed safety guidelines by 182-263%. Italian researchers found these currents could potentially affect fetal development, making lap use particularly concerning during pregnancy.
Laptops generate electromagnetic fields that create concerning electrical currents in your body when used on your lap. A 2012 study found power supplies induced currents exceeding safety recommendations by up to 483%, raising reproductive health concerns.
Yes, laptops create measurable electrical currents in your body when used close to you. Research shows these currents can exceed international safety guidelines by 71-483%, particularly from the power supply components rather than the screen itself.
No, research suggests laptops shouldn't actually be used on laps despite their name. Italian scientists found lap use exposes your body to electrical currents that exceed safety recommendations, particularly from the power supply unit.
Laptop EMF risks include excessive electrical current exposure when used close to your body. Studies show power supplies create currents 71-483% above safety guidelines, while magnetic fields exceed recommended levels for computer monitors.