What kind of radiation does a CRT/TV monitor emit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the types of radiation emitted by CRT (cathode ray tube) and TV monitors, as well as concerns regarding potential health effects from prolonged exposure to these devices. Participants explore various aspects of radiation, including its frequencies and potential risks, while also touching on related devices like cell phones.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention that CRT monitors emit pulsed VLF and ELF electric and magnetic fields, with specific frequencies ranging from 10kHz to 30kHz and 60Hz to 75Hz, respectively.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the health risks associated with CRT monitors, suggesting that they do not pose a significant danger and that eye strain is the primary concern.
  • Another participant recalls a claim about a correlation between CRT exposure and testicular cancer in computer technicians, though they express uncertainty about the validity of this information.
  • Concerns are raised about cell phones, with some participants arguing that they emit non-ionizing radiation that is generally safe, while others cite potential health risks and lawsuits related to cell phone use.
  • There is a humorous exchange regarding everyday activities and their potential to cause cancer, highlighting the pervasive nature of health concerns in modern life.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the safety of CRT monitors and cell phones. While some argue that the radiation emitted is not harmful, others raise concerns about potential health risks, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about health risks and radiation exposure are based on anecdotal evidence or personal beliefs, and there are references to external articles and studies that are not verified within the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals concerned about the health effects of prolonged exposure to CRT monitors and cell phones, as well as those interested in the technical aspects of radiation emitted by electronic devices.

Dagenais
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What kind of radiation does a CRT/TV monitor emit?

How much?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Are you doing some project on radiation or is this a personal concern?

Here are some numbers I found on google:

"The specific frequencies vary for each CRT type. Emissions generally consist of pulsed VLF (Very Low Frequencies) electric and magnetic fields from 10kHz to 30kHz and pulsed ELF (Extremely Low Frequencies) electric and magnetic fields from 60Hz to 75Hz."

I don't know if this is accurate or not, but I wouldn't be to concerned about developing some type of cancerous growth on your forehead. I can almost garantee that I spend more time infront of the computer than you, and I'm perfectly healthy.

If your still concerned, try wearing one of those lead vests they give you when they take your x-rays.
 
Never hand an XRay.

And I'm in front of an LCD screen. :wink:

More of a personal concern since I'm constantly in front of the TV or computer screen. Aside from sleeping, I'm in front of one or the other.

I try avoiding cell phones since tissues heat up immediately.
 
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Hmm...I am infront of CRT monitor ... what types of problem that can arise to my eyes?
 
Crt moniters and cell phones are FINE
the VLF and ELF emitions are nothing dangerous, and there isn't enough voltage (on the screen inside the crt) to give anything more then a blue pixel.
Look at the screen REAL CLOSE and you can see tiny little pixels, they are made of phospherous and are INSIDE the picture tube, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get cancer, ect (aside from eye-strain) due to a crt display.

As for cell phones,
There is no issue, unless you happen to have a 400W cell phone (like some hams have, K band)
Cell phones are 0.6watts to 3watts, you are mostly water, water can dissipate far more heat then this (you start to get problems if you have a genetic abnormality/ you deal with KW magnitrons :))
That and they are microwaves, and thus do not have enough energy to damage anything (they are non-ionising and therefor the only risk is of heating)
(sorry but you just had to be set strait with the facts)
 
I read somewhere (can't recall where) that there was a rash of testicular cancer found in computer techs sometime back and they concluded that it was radiation from the back of the CRT's.
They said that it was perfectly safe to sit in front of one, but spending extended time behind one can be dangerous.
*shrugs*
What doesn't give you cancer?

I justify my smoking because the carcinogenic New Jersey air is safer if I inhale it through a cigarette filter .
 
What doesn't give you cancer?

Good question. I sat there thinking about it for awhile.

I came up with this list, in the form of questions, since they are just guesses:

LCD screens?

Urinating?

Listening to soothing music?

The Alphabet?

Numbers? (Or can that cause brain tumors if you over think it)?

Snow?

Showering?

Pants?

Everyday things, was what I thought of. But good point, a lot of things cause cancer...
 
As for cell phones,
There is no issue, unless you happen to have a 400W cell phone (like some hams have, K band)
Cell phones are 0.6watts to 3watts, you are mostly water, water can dissipate far more heat then this (you start to get problems if you have a genetic abnormality/ you deal with KW magnitrons :))
That and they are microwaves, and thus do not have enough energy to damage anything (they are non-ionising and therefor the only risk is of heating)
(sorry but you just had to be set strait with the facts)


I read that the electro-magnetic radiation from cell-phones are indeed harmful, though not "death by tumor" harmful.

There have been tons of lawsuits out there against cell-phone companies because of this.

Plus, that's why they have those devices that deter or prevent 99% of deadly transmissions that hit your head.

http://www.radar3.com/ .

I can't find all the articles I've read, but here are some I've been able to track down:

http://www.sciencenews.org/20030222/fob1.asp

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/medicine/article/0,12543,573349,00.html

http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/publicfeature/aug00/prad.html






There was one really good one I read suggesting the use of headphones and how if you truly want to be cautious, don't let the phone touch your face (use special adapters in cars) etc.
 
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