Computer monitors and your health
- Introduction
- Do computer monitors emit harmful radiation?
- Does using a computer monitor affect eyesight?
- Can computer monitors cause skin rashes?
- Does working with computer monitors cause birth defects or miscarriages?
- Do computer monitors cause cancer?
- References and further information
1. Introduction
This document provides information on computer monitors, also known as Visual Display Units (VDUs) or Display Screen Equipment (DSE) and health issues.
For information on workplace design and vision, muscle strain, discomfort and stress refer to the WorkSafe publication Occupational overuse syndrome - keyboard operators: reducing the risk.
The most commonly asked questions about computer monitors and health are as follows.
2. Do computer monitors emit harmful radiation?
No. Computer monitors give out visible light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation (EMR), however the amount of radiation emitted is not harmful. Flat screen computer monitors give out little or no EMR.
3. Does using a computer monitor affect eyesight?
No. Ultraviolet, visible and infrared emissions from computer monitors have been measured and been found to be more than 100 times less than the recommended maximum exposure limits. However, glare on the screen, or using a monitor at the wrong distance, can cause visual discomfort.
4. Can computer monitors cause skin rashes?
Skin rashes on the face and hands have been reported extremely rarely by people using computer monitors, The exact cause is not known, however some have suggested factors such as the electrostatic charge around the monitor, reduced negative ions in the air, dry air and individual susceptibility may contribute. This problem is even more rare in Australia than in Europe, which may indicate humidity is a factor.
5. Does working with computer monitors cause birth defects or miscarriages?
Several major studies performed throughout the world examining the link between computer monitor use and birth defects or miscarriages have concluded there is no evidence to indicate any likelihood of harm to the unborn child or increased risk of miscarriage.
6. Do computer monitors cause cancer?
A link with cancer is not supported by current scientific evidence.
7. References and further information
For further information on computer monitors (VDUs), refer to the following documents:
- Electromagnetic fields and Human Health. Fact Sheet No. 296. 2005 World Health Organisation.
- Electromagnetic fields and the risk of cancer. National Radiological Protection Board. Vol 3, No. 1, Oxford 1992.
- IRPA Guidelines on protection against non-ionizing radiation. International Radiation Protection Association. Duchenne AS et al. (ed) New York 1991.
- Radiation Emissions from Video Display Terminals. Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.
- Technical Report of the Study Group on Radiation and Visual Display Units, Worksafe Australia, December 1989.
- VDU Workstation Checklist, 2003. UK Health and Safety Executive
- Visual Display Units: Radiation Protection Guidance. Occupational Safety and Health Series No. 70. ILO, Geneva 1994.
Working with VDUs, 2006. UK Health and Safety Executive;