Health hazards of using computer
- 1. 1 Neenu Jain Raju Physical Science Mount Tabor Training College HEALTH HAZARDS OF USING COMPUTER We all thought technology would make our lives easier. Today, we are overwhelmed by computers and have perhaps begun to look at it as somewhat of an “Everything appliance”. The one thing, that with every passing day, seems to be able to do anything and everything. They have become smaller, easier to use, and blazingly fast. And with the ‘World Wide Web’ available to all, it has become a center of attention and a familiar part of daily life. In spite of inherent shortcomings and pitfalls, we still love them. They have replaced the humble typewriter to become so much more than a useful piece of machinery. Give them speakers and CD–ROM drives and they give us music! Stick in video drivers and we get to watch a movie! Attach a microphone and suddenly they become telephones. But set aside the pleasures that we enjoy, and you’ll see the big bad demon it can be. The ill–effects of the computer are grossly underrated. They harm us physically, emotionally, mentally and burn a hole in our pockets too, what with telephone bills and internet hours! Our wrists ache, our eyes tear, our necks cramp, and we know that the machine in front of us is responsible. Still, we submit ourselves to our beloved computers.
- 2. 2 Millions of people around the world, now use computers as their primary business tool. In the last decade or so, the number of hours people use computers has increased tremendously. With this increase in the use of computers, problems have also increased. Computer–related health problems are caused by improper use and lack of knowledge about “Safe computing techniques”. Some of the most common problems related to computer use are Carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injury, computer eyestrain, computer vision syndrome. Computer-induced health problems can be an umbrella term for the various problems a computer user can develop from prolonged and incorrect computer use. A computer user may experience many physical health problems from using computers extensively over a prolonged period of time in an inefficient manner. The computer user may have poor etiquette when using peripherals, for example incorrect posture. Reportedly, excessive use of electronic screen media can have ill effects on mental health related to mood, cognition, and behavior, even to the point of hallucination. In today’s world using computers is a necessity for the majority of people but not many people actually consider the medical consequences that working with computers can cause, such as damaged eyesight, bad posture, arthritis in fingers and computer stress injuries that can be caused by sitting in one position for a prolonged period of time. The above problems are more commonly associated with old age but due to many factors such as poor component design, proximity of the user to the screen and an excess of consecutive working hours mean that the above problems can feature in both young and old computer users. This is an extremely important issue as computers become more important in every corner of employment the medical effects caused by them will elevate unless sufficient research is performed and time is dedicated into eliminating and reducing these problems as much as possible. It is estimated that today at least 75% of all jobs involve some level of computer use; this means three-quarters of the workforce are being exposed to numerous health problems, the same can be said of students
- 3. 3 and educators who do not go through any day without access to a computer for academic work. The figure for people working with and using computers recreationally is to increase considerably in the coming years so it is crucially important that these problems are identified and resolved sooner rather than later in an effort to reduce if not eradicate these problems. COMMON COMPUTER-INDUCED MEDICAL PROBLEMS Notable physical medical problems that can arise from using computers include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Computer Vision Syndrome, and Musculoskeletal problems. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome The medical problem associated with computer-related work is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is a stress-related injury caused by repetitive movement of joints, especially the wrist, and can lead to numerous musculoskeletal problems. It has become very common among Computer professionals due to poorly placed computer components and extensive typing over a long period of time. Studies conducted show that one in eight computer professionals suffer from CTS. The syndrome is predominantly caused by the acute positioning of the wrist while typing and this problem is exacerbated by the need for the user to be crouching towards the screen while typing.
- 4. 4 Different research conducted cites the mouse as being the main cause of CTS as it was found that among the fingers the right thumb was revealed to be more susceptible to CTS due to the acute position of the thumb while using the mouse. Cumulative trauma disorders are caused by "people who sit at PC workstations or visual display terminals in fast-paced, repetitive keystroke jobs. Their fingers, wrists, arms, necks, and back may become so weak and painful that they cannot work. Many people do not think about this when they look at their computer while using it. It is important to note that everything down to the keyboard has a design process behind it focusing on user interface. Computer Vision Syndrome In many cases, frequent computer users suffer from computer vision syndrome, which is a degenerative eye problem which can result in severely reduced eyesight (Myopia), blurred vision, overall eye tiredness and even Glaucoma. Computer Eye Syndrome is an umbrella term for many problems but the causes of these problems can be easily identified. When using a computer due to the size and setup of the monitor and components it is necessary for the user to be within at least two feet of the monitor when performing any type of computational work.
- 5. 5 This presents many problems especially in older monitors due to an elevated amount of monitor glare, poor display quality and insufficient picture display refresh rates. Although these problems are more evident in older computers the newer models are not free from these problems either. The most common form of Computer Vision Syndrome is a condition termed Dry Eye, which results in itchy, sore and even the illusion that something is stuck in your eye. This condition is often caused by extensively long period looking at a computer screen. Video screens have a design process for user interface. Video screens can cause eyestrain from prolonged viewing. Cathode ray tubes are what are used to display the information on your computer, these send off radiation. This is a concern that has been taken into account when designing better computer screens for user interface. Musculoskeletal problems Another medical issue caused by the use of computers is back and posture problems. These problems relate to musculoskeletal disorders caused by the need for the user to be crouched and hunched towards the monitors and computer components due to the design and positioning of these particular computer peripherals. This hunching forward of the user causes posture and back problems but is also the cause of severe and acute pain in the upper back, particularly pain in the neck and or shoulders. A study was conducted where 2146 technical assistants installed a computer program to monitor the musculoskeletal pain they suffered and answered questionnaires on the location and severity of the pain. The study showed interesting results, as it detailed how in the majority of cases any pain suffered was aggravated and exacerbated by the use of computer peripherals like the mouse and keyboard but overall the pain did not originate from using computers.
- 6. 6 Sleep disorders A study with 4100 young adults revealed that intensive use of cell phones and computers can be linked to an increase in stress, sleep disorders and depressive symptoms in young adults. It’s been shown that the light from TV and computer screens affects melatonin production and melanopsin stimulation, and throws off our circadian rhythms. This interrupts or prevents deep, restorative sleep, causing an increase in stress and depressive symptoms. Mental problems Public Health England said children who spend too long on the internet face social problems such as loneliness, depression and anxiety. According to Dr. Victoria Dunckley, excessive use of electronic screen media can have ill effects on mental health related to mood, cognition, and behavior—and may even result in psychosis in the form of hallucination. She calls this "Electronic Screen Syndrome" (ESS). She claims the root of these symptoms appears to be linked to repeated stress on the nervous system, making self-regulation and stress management less efficient. She says interacting with screens shifts the nervous system into fight-or-flight mode which leads to dysregulation as an inability to modulate one’s mood, attention, or level of arousal in a manner appropriate to one’s environment.
- 7. 7 Treatment Modern medical treatment for computer-induced medical problems like carpal tunnel syndrome include splints, surgery, corticosteroids, and physiotherapy therapy. Alternative medicine for computer-induced medical problems has also been shown to be effective, notably acupuncture. Overall it is clear to see that there are many medical problems that can arise from using computers and damaged eyesight, CTS and musculoskeletal problems are only the tip of the iceberg. But it is also important to note that changes are currently being made to ensure that all these problems are ameliorated to the best standard that employers and computer users currently have the technology to implement. By taking measures like ensuring our computer peripherals are situated to ensure maximum comfort while working and taking frequent breaks from computational work can go a long way to ensuring that many medical conditions arising from computers are avoided. These are small measures but they go a long way to ensuring that computer users maintain their health, As with many modern and marvellous technologies in the world today there is always a downside and the major downside of computers is the medical problems that can arise from their prolonged use. Thus it is the duty of computer users and employers everywhere to ensure that the downside is kept to a minimum. In addition to the actual design of computer work, other job conditions can contribute to the stress of operators. These include low wages, absence of career advancement opportunities and inadequate child care. REFERENCES 1.Electronic Screen Syndrome: An Unrecognized Disorder? Screentime and the rise of mental disorders in children"
- 8. 8 2.Andersen, J. H.; Thomsen, JF; Overgaard, E; Lassen, CF; Brandt, LP; Vilstrup, I; Kryger, AI; Mikkelsen, S (2003). "Computer Use and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A 1-Year Follow-up Study". 3.Ali, KM; Sathiyasekaran, BW (2006). "Computer professionals and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)".