We have all heard of the dangers of electromagnetic radiation coming from laptops, and what this radiation might be doing to our bodies. The fact is many appliances give off some radiation including television sets, DVD players, satellites, microwave ovens, computers, and of course mobile phones. These are all now such an integral part of our daily lives it is almost impossible to imagine life without them.
The risk of developing health problems because of radiation exposure is supposed to increase dramatically if we spend a great deal of time in close proximity to this radiation and particularly when we use wireless technology, which many of us do when we use our laptops. The main concern with laptops is that they sit on your lap, which just happens to be incredibly close to your genitals and therefore the word on the street is that it can make you infertile and can cause cancer. It sounds terrifying doesn’t it?
However laptops are great aren’t they? And, despite the negative publicity and health scares we still use them. They are valued for their portability, their convenience and the fact that we can and often do take them with us wherever we go whether that is to work or even on holiday. So what is the situation regarding radiation and laptops and should we worry?
As far as radiation and laptops are concerned, most of the radiation is coming from the inner workings of the laptop, in other words where the hard disc and memory chips are located. There is also less radiation from a laptop screen than from a standard computer monitor, however, according to reports, wireless radiation is considered to be much more hazardous than what comes from the laptop itself and therefore wireless technology is causing more concern for many people.
On saying that, according the World Health Organisation there is no danger from Wi-fi as the radiation levels are much lower than the threshold for an effect on humans. It’s all so terribly confusing making it difficult to know what to believe. What we do know is that radiation can be harmful in large doses. So how do we know if we are suffering from the effects of radiation exposure?
Symptoms associated with Electromagnetic radiation exposure
Although the following symptoms are associated with radiation exposure, it doesn’t mean that radiation is the cause of the symptoms.
•   Fatigue
•   Inability to concentrate
•   Headaches
•   Psychological problems
•   Anxiety and Depression
•   Insomnia
•   Memory lapses
•   Dizziness
•   Feeling breathless
•   Nausea
There can be many reasons why you may experience these symptoms which have nothing whatsoever to do with your laptop or any other device. Any unexplained symptoms should always be reported to your doctor.
It has to be said that whether or not laptops are a health hazard is a controversial issue as there are those who say there is no evidence at all to back up these claims, and yet there are others who are passionately convinced that there really is a danger and that the negative effects are only going to get worse, particularly as more schools and other establishments install Wi-fi on their premises and that this is going to impact the kids and their health in the future, compounded by the fact that these days many kids have laptops to do their homework, play games etc.
As it is highly unlikely that everyone will just stop using their laptops because of the alleged risks associated with radiation, perhaps we could all take some action to limit exposure should these claims prove to be correct.
If possible, try to place your laptop on another surface, not your lap, and this is particularly important if you need to spend a long period of time on your laptop on a regular basis. When you are working on your laptop make sure you take regular breaks for 15 minutes or so every hour and don’t sit too close to the screen.
Other action you can take is to buy a laptop shield which will filter off some if not most of the radiation. You could also try wearing a radiation suit and some radiation proof goggles whilst working on your laptop, ok so you might look like an idiot, or probably more like something out of some far fetched Sci-fi movie but hey who cares. Seriously though, no one really knows for sure whether laptop radiation is something we should worry about or not and until it is established once and for all there is nothing much we can do except wait.
In the meantime, by far the best thing that any of us can do to protect ourselves is to make sure we are in good health generally and to get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in our diet in order to consume more of those healthy antioxidants that will help clear all those toxins and free radicals from our bodies.
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Now tell me something. In my bedroom I have a entertainment centre (with dvd included), tv, laptop and my cell phone. Am I being exposed to too much radiation?
I also notice that when my entertainment device is off it has some sort of ringing noise (very new)… does this have something to do with the radiation it is giving off? Should I take some of these things out of my bedroom?
umm i have a laptop i use it for gaming but its on a table does that still cause radiation to me?
i have my laptop next to my bed where it is approx. a foot away from it, and i am usually on it for 7-8 hours straight. I never keep it directly on my lap and if i do i put it over a pillow, do i need to worry?
can you please correct the title to this post there is a misspelled word, should be “know”
Thanks for that Lisa!
I’ve been concerned about the effects of laptop radiation now for some time, and decided to do some research myself. I bought a Gaussmeter to see how bad a laptop actually was. Turned out, it was around 90 milliGauss, and I see experts recommend limiting it to 2 milliGauss!! I found a product online called the harapad, and it reduced my laptop exposure to 9 milliGauss. I still limit my time with the laptop directly on my lap, but I feel much better about the times I do use it.
Josh…the pillow definitely helps, but you’ll probably overheat your computer doing it that way.
Wow Russ !! Thanks for sharing that ! I would never have guessed that it could be that bad..
Hmm me concerned as well..
Microwave radiation is a range of radio frequencies categorised between 300 MHz and 300 GHz.
Of essential importance is the cooking range of microwave which is between 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz. This “cooking frequency” is actually an ingenious exploitation of the resonance frequency of the dipole formed in the OH bond. The OH bond is found in most organic materials, water and oil.
As CPUs creep up in operating frequencies, what Intel, AMD and computer makers have failed to notify us is that the radiation from these processors are emanating cooking frequencies. This microwave radiation is leaked into the grounding around the processor board. The grounding is meant to help stabilise the electronic signals on the circuits but since it helps absorb any “signal turbulence”, the grounding also helps in propagating the microwave radiation.
Full sized desktop computers are enclosed in metal casing hence forming a gaussian shield like in a microwave oven shielding. Laptop manufacturers – in order to make the laptop attractive by lessening weight would not put metal enclosure around the laptop. Because, would you rather buy a 2 lb laptop or an 8 lb laptop?
Even if your laptop operates at 1.6 GHz, it is still capable of half amplitude resonance cooking up your lap and guts, gradually. A high performance laptop is an unshielded travelling microwave oven.
So while so complaints,issues and fear (especially due to the fear of unknown, or because we feel decieved by not being informed of percieved risks, and by over sensationalism) are not all invalid lets keep them in perspective. With the amount of processed starches, high frutose corn syrup, cigarette smoke etc. lets try not to get too irrational. That being said I am not willing to live within a half mile of high tension power lines over my head and wouldn’t advocate keeping a microwave within several feet of my pillow.
Laptops are lighter and more powerful than ever before, and generate more heat as well as potentially harmful electromagnetic energy. If I am using my notebook computer (a more appropriate name for laptops these days) on or near my lap I keep it on a laptop cooling device. It provides space between me and the computer and allows cooling air to circulate around it. Mine is made by Belkin, and I am not trying to advocate any particular brand, but it also has a USB connection for a cooling fan to help provide additional cooling to the bottom of the computer. I utilize the USB fan more in the srping and summer. This also alleviates other concerns of infatiity and doing harm to the swimmies down there who like a medium but limited range of temperatures. In addition if I know I am going to be utilizing my latop for extended durations I remove the battery and run it just off power cord. (Side note: Ensure notebook computer is powered down when removing or re-attaching battery … Second note: Be extremely careful when moving operating notebook when just on power cord. If you trip on it, or it becomes detached any unsaved work will be lost and well as potential damage to your computers hard drive and other hardware.)
Do not use a pillow under your notebook. Most pillows don’t ‘breathe’ well enough to allow a healthy circulation of air around the vents and internal cooling fans. Overheated laptops run poorly and suffer from potentally shorter livespans. I have seen laptop wedges. They are designed to be universal for small and larger notebooks (flip it over) are made of a rigid foam material covered with fabric in Target, Wal-mart and Costco. They are nice because the angle gives a certain ergonomic benifit too.
When talking about risks there are factors to be aware of. Is there a pre-existing condition, or is the person pre-disposed to a condition by accepting this risk or risky behavior? How bad is the risk? Is the power or energy of the risk great or small. The human body is an amazing thing. It has the ability to repair much of the harm we do to it, or expose it to. Be aware of two conditions: An extremely high (acute) exposure and also long term low level exposures. Why? The body can’t defend itself against a flame thrower. Also the body needs downtime to recouperate – for example prolonged, unprotected exposure to the sun can lead to cancers. A minor sun burn will cause the skin to flake, and in a few says all is good again with some care and reduced sun exposure.
When talking about radiation, in this case from low level electromagnetic energy (s) consider TDS or Time, Distance and Shielding. The manufactures of notebooks have removed some of it to make the device lighter, and the idea of sitting with a steel plate or lead blanket on ones lap isn’t very appealing either. Distance – use an appropriate device to raise the notebook off your lap, a card table, tv tray, etc are good in a pinch. As far as screens go – technology has some along way in consumer protection here, but a safe viewing distance is 14 – 28 inches (typical adult person arms are 28-35 inches – to you wrist, so with a closed fist sitting back in your chair …). And the time factor is all something we can do a lot with in terms of preventative care. It is beautiful outside right now, don’t forget your sunblock
Happy computing and stay cool
Ohh all the spelling mistakes, sorry, repost:
So while so complaints, issues and fear (especially due to the fear of unknown, or because we feel deceived by not being informed of perceived risks, and by over sensationalism) are not all invalid let’s keep them in perspective. With the amount of processed starches, high fructose corn syrup, cigarette smoke etc. let’s try not to get too irrational. That being said I am not willing to live within a half mile of high tension power lines over my head and wouldn’t advocate keeping a microwave within several feet of my pillow.
Laptops are lighter and more powerful than ever before, and generate more heat as well as potentially harmful electromagnetic energy. If I am using my notebook computer (a more appropriate name for laptops these days) on or near my lap I keep it on a laptop cooling device. It provides space between me and the computer and allows cooling air to circulate around it. Mine is made by Belkin, and I am not trying to advocate any particular brand, but it also has a USB connection for a cooling fan to help provide additional cooling to the bottom of the computer. I utilize the USB fan more in the spring and summer. This also alleviates other concerns of infertility and doing harm to the swimmies down there who like a medium but limited range of temperatures. In addition if I know I am going to be utilizing my laptop for extended durations I remove the battery and run it just off power cord. (Side note: Ensure notebook computer is powered down when removing or re-attaching battery … Second note: Be extremely careful when moving operating notebook when just on power cord. If you trip on it, or it becomes detached any unsaved work will be lost and well as potential damage to your computer’s hard drive and other hardware.)
Do not use a pillow under your notebook. Most pillows don’t ‘breathe’ well enough to allow a healthy circulation of air around the vents and internal cooling fans. Overheated laptops run poorly and suffer from potentially shorter live spans. I have seen laptop wedges. They are designed to be universal for small and larger notebooks (flip it over) are made of a rigid foam material covered with fabric in Target, Wal-mart and Costco. They are nice because the angle gives a certain ergonomic benefit too.
When talking about risks there are factors to be aware of. Is there a pre-existing condition, or is the person pre-disposed to a condition by accepting this risk or risky behavior? How bad is the risk? Is the power or energy of the risk great or small? The human body is an amazing thing. It has the ability to repair much of the harm we do to it, or expose it to. Be aware of two conditions: An extremely high (acute) exposure and also long term low level exposures. Why? The body can’t defend itself against a flame thrower. Also the body needs downtime to recuperate – for example prolonged, unprotected exposure to the sun can lead to cancers. A minor sun burn will cause the skin to flake, and in a few says all is good again with some care and reduced sun exposure.
When talking about radiation, in this case from low level electromagnetic energy (s) consider TDS or Time, Distance and Shielding. The manufactures of notebooks have removed some of it to make the device lighter, and the idea of sitting with a steel plate or lead blanket on ones lap isn’t very appealing either. Distance – use an appropriate device to raise the notebook off your lap, a card table, TV tray, etc are good in a pinch. As far as screens go – technology has some along way in consumer protection here, but a safe viewing distance is 14 – 28 inches (typical adult person arms are 28-35 inches – to you wrist, so with a closed fist sitting back in your chair …). And the time factor is all something we can do a lot with in terms of preventative care. It is beautiful outside right now, don’t forget your sun block
Happy computing and stay cool
I was worried about this problem, and bought an x-ray half-apron shield like you wear at the dentist when getting x-rayed. There are new materials that are much lighter, and apparently equally effective, as lead. I removed the belt, and use it as a mat over my lap.
I don’t feel very paranoid about radiation in general, but I spend a lot of time with my laptop directly on my lap, and am likely to continue doing so for years. The expected duration gives me some cause for concern and I figured this could be a hundred bucks well-spent.
This being said, no one has actually told me this is an effective way of protecting myself…what do you all think of this approach?
David–
The equipment you bought to protect yourself from the laptop radiation will not, unfortunately, protect you. Radiation as given off by x-rays is called ionizing radiation, and EMF radiation (radiation given off by any component carrying an electrical current) is called non-ionizing. Essentially the difference between the two is the wavelength of each. The wavelength of ionizing radiation is very short, and thus its frequency much higher. That high frequency packs a very high amount of energy, and can destroy the nucleus of an atom. Non-ionizing radiation has a much longer wavelength, and therefore lower frequency. There is less energy in this radiation, but that does not make it completely safe. What this lower frequency does, in living organisms, is vibrate cells and causes instability within their contained environment. Frictional characteristics of this vibration also increases heat within them. Both instances are harmful to cells, and in many cases, have been shown to mutate. Among those mutations most concerning to scientists: cancer cells. While a direct correlation between cancer and non-ionizing radiation has yet to be solidly proven, it has been witnessed.
The only product on the market I have found so far effectively protecting against non-ionizing radiation is the HARApad. They have a video on their website showing the drop in radiation when measured through the product.
For more information on the difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, see this website:
http://www.epa.gov/rpdweb00/understand/ionize_nonionize.html
Another interesting article about EMF and EMF sickness here:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/30499.php
Hope this helps!!
Russ
I play combat arms on specially today my hands feels pain.
Im pretty sure Im having Memory Lapses i recently just got a laptop ( apple macbook pro 15.4 “) and i use it mostly for college. When i do my homework at night and review my notes i usually lay down with the laptop on my stomach or near v curve. It when its on my stomach for just about 5 minutes my stomach starts to feel wierd but when i take it off it is just fine. Anyways i started noticing that i would leave my keys (after i turned the engine off) in the ignition of my car, then go off to class or go to work, things like that (i do this about once a day now). Ive been having trouble concentrating in class also i can hear and understand what the teacher is lecturing, but when i try to repeat it in my head after he spoke, its like as if nothing really came out of his mouth. I mean i was clearly concentration on his speech about that certain subject but i cant really remember what he had just said. Today 10-13-2009, i had just finished class at my college and i noticed i didnt have my keys in my pocket. i thought to myself “its probably in the ignition like usual” luckily i have a jeep and i can get into it pretty easy but when i hoped in the seat usually i would have to put the laptop in the passenger seat. it wasnt there i had left it back in my classroom. i ran back to the classroom and it was still where it had been where i had put it last. this event led my to look up what was wrong with me. which led e to here