IEEE POSITION ON HEALTH ASPECTS OF VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINALS
Authors not listed · 1982
IEEE's 1982 position on video display terminal health effects marked the first major technical assessment of workplace EMF concerns.
Plain English Summary
In 1982, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) issued a technical position statement examining health concerns related to video display terminals (VDTs), specifically focusing on radiation emissions from cathode ray tube monitors. The report addressed growing workplace health questions about X-radiation, electromagnetic interference, and other potential hazards from computer screens that were becoming commonplace in offices.
Why This Matters
This 1982 IEEE position represents a pivotal moment when the engineering community first grappled with EMF health questions that seem remarkably familiar today. Just as we now debate cell phone radiation and WiFi safety, the early 1980s saw intense concern about radiation from computer monitors in rapidly digitizing workplaces. The reality is that cathode ray tubes did emit measurable X-radiation and created significant electromagnetic fields, unlike modern LCD screens. What makes this historically significant is how it established the pattern we see repeatedly: new technology deployment followed by health concerns, then technical assessments by industry organizations. The IEEE's involvement shows that even engineering bodies recognized the need to address public health questions about electromagnetic emissions from everyday devices.
Finding
The VDTs do emit nonionizing radiation in the visible spectral range and some also emit ultraviolet and infrared radiation. While these radiations are known to cause eye and skin injuries at very high intensities, the levels associated with VDTs are well below those that are considered to be hazardous. Radiofrequency fields are also emitted from VDTs, the source being the horizontal deflection system, specifically, the high-voltage transformer. These emissions are at low radio frequencies between 15 and 120 kHz. The levels at the operator (position) are very low; the electric field strength is usually below 10 V/m, which would correspond to a far-field equivalent power density of 26.5 microwatts/cm2.
In their words
“The VDTs do emit nonionizing radiation in the visible spectral range and some also emit ultraviolet and infrared radiation. While these radiations are known to cause eye and skin injuries at very high intensities, the levels associated with VDTs are well below those that are considered to be hazardous. Radiofrequency fields are also emitted from VDTs, the source being the horizontal deflection system, specifically, the high-voltage transformer. These emissions are at low radio frequencies between 15 and 120 kHz. The levels at the operator (position) are very low; the electric field strength is usually below 10 V/m, which would correspond to a far-field equivalent power density of 26.5 microwatts/cm2.”
Source
(1982) (1982)Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
To evaluate health aspects of video display terminals (VDTs) and their emissions.
The position of the IEEE is that there is no cause for concern regarding hazards associated with emissions of ionizing and nonionizing radiation from video display terminals. Improved application of stress-reducing biotechniques, and the education of the operator are the areas where expenditures of additional resources would be the most beneficial.
Show BibTeX
@article{ieee_position_on_health_aspects_of_video_display_terminals_g7250,
author = {Unknown},
title = {IEEE POSITION ON HEALTH ASPECTS OF VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINALS},
year = {1982},
}