Researchers have been studying many different occupations and types of electric equipment to see what the risks might be. For example, studies have been done to see if those who work around power lines have increased rates of leukemia, brain or other cancers. There has also been concern that working all day with computers may cause miscarriages or birth defects. The evidence at this time does not show that radiation from video display terminals causes reproductive problems. Unfortunately, questions about the health effects of EMFs have not been fully answered.
More research is needed on the health risks of EMFs.
Efforts should be made to reduce exposure to EMFs until more research answers questions about health risks. A policy of prudent avoidance means avoiding exposure to EMFs because the risks are unknown. For example, the source of EMFs in a VDT is the flyback transformer located in the back of the monitor. The radiation is strongest in the back and side of the monitor. Computer operators should be at least four feet away from the back or sides of other workers machines.