[Assessment of exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic field emitted from monitors].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate intensity of extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELFMF) emitted from cathode-ray tubes (CRT) of monitors in various directions and to find ways to avoid its influence.


METHODS
Two hundred CRT monitors and 10 monitors with liquid-crystal display (LCD) were selected. Their ELFMF was detected for three times in front of the monitor at an interval of every 5 cm from 0 cm to 50 cm, as well as at various directions from the monitor.


RESULTS
Intensity of ELFMF significantly attenuated at regular operating position (30 - 40 cm) from 0 cm to 50 cm in front of both 38 cm and 43 cm CRT monitors (P < 0.05). Intensity exceeded 0.4 microT both within 15 cm and 10 cm in front of 38 cm and 43 cm monitors. The highest intensity was found at the upright top position of both kinds of monitors, 9.54 microT for 38 cm monitor and 6.38 microT for 43 cm one, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
It is suggested to keep away from monitor screen as possible when operating a computer, to reduce unnecessary operation in front of a monitor screen, and to shorten operating time. To avoid more hazards from interactive interference between computers, it is necessary to increase distance between monitors.
Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Chang-chun
CC
Chen
Xin-yu
XY
Hong
Guang-zu
GZ
Shen
Xi-peng
XP
Jin
D003201:Computers; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment