Stephen C. Nielsen

Professor Cross

English 305CMP

28 March 2001

Section I

What I Know, Assume, or Imagine:

For my I-Search topic I chose to research health related issues due to increased computer usage both in the work and home settings. Computer technology is becoming commonplace in the work field. As a teacher, I use the computer to present topics to my students, enter grades, send email to co-workers and parents, and to post homework assignments on the Internet. Ten years ago, teachers and other professionals used computers on a limited basis. I became interested in the side effects caused by prolonged usage of computers since several family members complain of wrist soreness as well as eyestrain due to the effects of monitor radiation.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the first term that comes to mind when thinking of problems that people experience with computer use regarding their hands. Based on my limited knowledge of this topic, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs due to a persons prolonged usage of a computer keyboard. Problems of this sort occur more often due to poor ergonomics and posture. Computer office furniture that does not allow one to adjust the height of the chair or keyboard, so that the arms form a write angle at the elbow, cause strain on the wrist, which may result in carpal tunnel syndrome. People who use computers for long periods of time without giving themselves a break and flexing their wrist have a higher propensity of developing problems.

Monitor radiation has been discussed throughout computer journals for years. I have learned that different monitors have higher or lower radiation levels. Monitors made overseas are generally considered to have a lower radiation level than those built in the United States. For example, as an engineer the Management Information Services (MIS) unit told us that NEC monitors had much lower radiation levels than IBM monitors. After sitting at a computer during my eleven-year career as a Civil Engineer with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, I often found that headaches at the end of the day were common. My eyes felt strained due to the looking at a monitor for an extended period of time. Over the years as an engineer I bought various types of glare screens for my computer monitor. Even though I doubt the glare screens help with the reduction of radiation given off by the monitors, they do seem to help with eyestrain.

Throughout this paper, I hope to discover ways to minimize or prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and the negative effects of monitor radiation on ones health. There has been a lot of research done on issues related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. During the discovery process, I would like to determine what an ergonomically correct office would look like and how the effects of this health issue can be lessoned for those diagnosed with this syndrome. For my research into monitor radiation, I hope to discover which monitors putout the least amount of radiation, the role of office ergonomics in preventing health problems, and the effectiveness of glare screens. As can be seen in my goals from this paper, I have a lot of research to do.

Section II

The Search:

When contemplating the search techniques that I would employ to research my topic I considered various search engines, the types of sites, and the reason behind my topic. Based on my experience on the Internet, the search engine that I used the most is Yahoo. I find Yahoo to be a good search engine that allows the user to choose between Web pages, Websites, Related News, and shopping when researching a subject. Other search engines that I am familiar with are Alta Vista and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

While at school I used Yahoo to begin my search. I started my search for my topic in class on March 29 by using Yahoo search engine. I typed in "Computers and Health" as my search topic and was amazed at how many different websites were available for review. The above search yielded the following hits:

Of the four websites listed, only one of them provided me with information that I felt was worth noting. That Branford Hall Career Institute offers degree programs in related fields. Next I started looking at the web pages that were listed. Many of these pages were from advertisers interested in selling ergonomically correct furniture. This source will be helpful when writing section three of this paper. The next type of web page was again from educational institutions. These institutions provide research information on the health problems caused by using computers. Some of the educational web pages provide information regarding educational opportunities in this field. The last type of web page was jokes related to the topic of monitor radiation. As can be seen from the above, the Internet has a lot of information about this topic, which will provide me with more than enough material to write this paper. One piece of information that I had hoped to find was a comparison between the radiation put out by American made monitors versus Foreign made monitors. The Internet sites I visited provided little or no information on this topic.

Based on my initial search results I decided to concentrate more on ergonomics then monitor radiation. The Internet provided more information on ergonomics because the main driving force was advertisement. I saw information on special chairs (Kneelsit), carpal tunnel apparatuses, and keyboard trays. Since I am interested in carpal tunnel syndrome I looked further into which products were available for people with this debilitating condition. Products ranged from wrist braces, splints and magnetic braces, to apparatuses that helped to keep the wrist in the proper position when using a computer keyboard. Fewer sites provided me with information on monitor radiation. Again advertisers wanting to push their products created most of these sites. Advertisements for glare screens dominated the products for monitor radiation.

Section III

What I Discovered:

After completing section II of this paper, I have decided to discuss health risk for Video Display Terminal's (VDT's), carpal tunnel syndrome, and the need for good office ergonomics. The largest risk to users of VDT's is that electromagnetic radiation in the very or extremely low frequency levels. The second health risk, carpal tunnel syndrome, is caused by repetitive motion when the tendons rub against the sides of a tunnel like structure. The last section of the paper will discuss the prevention or minimizing of health problems due to prolonged computer usage with proper ergonomics.

Researchers have been studying the health effects of VDT users for years. Much of the research has shown that little or no risks are present for these users. In 1987, the National Institute for Occupational Safety (NIOSH) stated that there was a potential link between the prolonged usage of VDT's and miscarriage. Four years later this same organization came back and stated that VDT's did not pose a significant risk of miscarriage to pregnant women. The monitors on today's computers are made of glass screens that reduce the exposure levels of infrared, ultraviolet, and ultrasound radiation. In the case of these forms of radiation, almost all monitors made today have levels that are well below the standards set forth by government. One concern that still exists today regarding radiation is that of very or extremely low frequency radiation.

Many researchers are concerned with the biological effects of very or extremely low frequency radiation on humans. Although these researchers have expressed health related concerns, few studies have found links to health problems. Studies have shown that these forms of radiation can cause an attraction between dust particles and ions from the electrostatic field created by a computer monitor. As the ions attract the dust particles, the user's eyes are bombarded with these particles, which causes irritation. In almost all cases, glare screens can be purchased that will eliminate the risk of eye irritation due to this phenomenon entirely. One such glare screen is called a grounded glare screen, which can be purchased for about fifty dollars.

To prevent or reduce the effects of very or extremely low frequency radiation, operators of VDT's should follow a few simple guidelines. The first of these is to position the monitor at a distance of approximately 28 inches from the computer user. Second, the back and the sides of the monitor should be no closer than 48-inches from the user. The reason behind these distances is that the strength from magnetic fields of this sort diminishes over a short distance.

In addition to the remedies discussed above, eyestrain is a common complaint among VDT users. Most of these complaints can be remedied with proper ergonomics that prevent glare from computer screens. One such remedy is to place computer monitors at right angles with windows. If blinds or shades are not cost prohibited, they should be installed on windows to prevent glare from sunlight during morning or evening hours.

After a quick review of a website called jokejoint.com, I found one additional piece of information that serves a useful purpose for monitor radiation. This site recommended going to work naked in order to get a tan by soaking up the radiation put out by computer monitors. This joke, while entertaining has little or no merit and would not be practical in the working environment.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition caused by repetitive motion where the flexor tendons rub against the sidewalls of a tunnel like structure. This tunnel is formed between the bones and ligaments in the wrist. The flexor tendons pass through this tunnel from the forearm to where they connect in the hand. When using your hands and fingers to press the keys on a computer keyboard, the flexor tendons move and rub against the sidewalls of this tunnel. This rubbing action does not cause problems in all people. For people who are susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome, this rubbing causes the tendons to become irritated which in return causes inflammation of these tendons.

As the tendons become inflamed, the computer user begins to feel the symptoms, which are commonly classified as that of carpal tunnel syndrome. These symptoms include numbness in the hands or wrist, a burning or tingling sensation in the wrist, and possible forearm and shoulder pain. These pains if left unchecked begin to cause one to lose the functionality of their hand. In acute cases, surgery is often performed to relieve the pressure on the flexor tendons, thus reducing the rubbing affect in the tunnel. For those who suffer from mild cases, hand braces are made in a variety of shapes and sizes. These braces are relatively inexpensive and can provide a significant amount of relief. Through a simple search of "Yahoo! Shopping" braces range in price from $7.95 to $39.95.

To help prevent or reduce the effects of this debilitating condition, a website created by Learn Free Inc. recommended three exercises. These exercises reduce the stress in the flexor tendons by increasing the flow of blood into your hand and fingers. The exercises are titled "Abracadabra," "The Wave," and "Come Here" (2001). All of these exercises can be done in the office environment and should be done ten times each. "Abracadabra" is done by clenching your fist then allowing your hands to open completely. It was recommended by Learn Free Inc. that this exercise be repeated ten times. "The Wave", another wrist exercise, can be summarized as the raising and lowering of the hands in a wavelike motion with your palms down. And lastly, the "Come Here" exercise consists of placing your palms upward and moving your hands back in forth in a wavelike motion.

Another way to prevent or lesson the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome is to have an office that is set up properly ergonomically. Proper ergonomics includes adjusting ones seat height, seat backrest, and keyboard position. The seat height should be adjusted so that the users elbows form a 90-degree angle when the hands are at the keyboard. The seat backrest should be adjusted so that the angle between the users back and legs is also a 90-degree angle. The keyboard should be approximately 27 to 29 inches above the floor. In the case where a keyboard is thick, a wrist pad can be used to prevent the hand from being arched upward.

In order to prevent neck and back pain due to prolonged computer usage, Learn Free Inc. has recommended several exercises. Since my wife, who spends a lot of time behind a computer terminal when counseling high school students, suffers from chronic neck and back pain, I was especially interested in these exercises. One such exercise to relieve lower back pain is called "Sky Watcher" (2001). This exercise, which should be done a minimum of ten times, consists of arching the back while standing. Another exercise called "Wheel Touches" can be done while sitting at your chair and leaning from side to side while extending your hand towards the chairs wheel. To prevent neck pain, Learning Free Inc. recommends "The Street Crosser" which can be done from your seat. The computer user simply moves their head back and forth in a horizontal motion, which in return increases the flow of blood in the neck.

In conclusion, there is no one answer in the prevention of computer related health conditions. One remedy is to actively pursue office ergonomics that allow the user to position themselves in the proper position. Routinely performing hand, back, and neck exercises on a daily basis to lesson the negative effects of computer usage is one of the best defenses for the prevention of computer related health conditions. When symptoms occur, it is best to seek a professional who can properly diagnose the condition early on so that treatment can be done at its onset. Users who sit at VDT's on routine basis should look into purchases glare screens that will reduce the effects of very and extremely low frequency radiation.

Works Cited

Annotated Bibliography - I Search Paper

The topic of my I-Search Paper is health effects for today's computer users.

This site, which was last updated on April 21, 2001, provides information on the benefits of using an EquipoisE adjustable seat in the computer environment. EquipoisE is a special seat that slopes downward towards the desk and allows the user to have their spine in correct alignment. The seat ranges in cost from $750 to $950.

This website provided me with a wealth of information on ways of fighting and preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, back, and neck pain due to computer use. The site provides exercises that can be used to relieve or prevent these pains. For each topic, the website provides video clips and text describing exercises that can be done in the office setting.

This site, which was last updated on March 15, 2001, provides the user with detailed information on eyestrain caused by computer screens, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, headaches, and back pain. For each of the above conditions, the author recommends a course of action that is helpful in reducing its effects. The site has good links to other sites that provide more detailed information on these subjects.

This site provides a magnitude of information on health related issues due to prolonged computer usage. Like the other sites, this site provides information on monitor health risk, carpal tunnel syndrome, office ergonomics, and a checklist. The checklist guided a computer user through a series of checks, which allows one to maximize the ergonomics of the computer office environment. In addition to the checklist, the article provided a detailed bibliography for further reference.

This web page provides a detailed article on the health effects of computer users. The article includes information on ergonomics, glare, exercises, radiation, and education and training. The site offers a very detailed list of text that includes further information on these subjects.