EMF Radiation Level and Asthenopia Prevalence among Computer Users in Uyo Urban, South-South, Nigeria

In this study, a cross-sectional survey design was used to investigate the prevalence of asthenopic symptoms among 354 computer users with respect to the level of EMF radiation from computer monitor screens. The results of the study revealed a significant association between the risks and the radiation level as well as a significant increase in angle of gaze between those affected and unaffected users. It was found that frequent/severe headache (59.1%) was the most complained symptom followed by chronic eye irritation (41.5%). The findings in this work, if properly taken into consideration, will help to create social awareness and also help relevant authorities as well as individuals in the policy formulations regarding their ergonomics.

___

  • Anisimov, V. N., Arutiunian, A. V., Burmistrov, S. O., Zabezhinskii, M. A., Maratov, E. I., Oparina, T. I., Popovich, I. G., Prokopenko, V. M., Frolova, E. V., (1997) Effects of radiation from video display terminals of personal computers on free radical processes in rats. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 124: 192 – 4
  • Arun K. G., Farheen C. (2014) Study of electromagnetic field and its effect on human body. International Journal of Advanced Research in Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering. Vol. 3, Issue 6, pp. 10156 – 10161
  • Bio-initiative report, (2012) A rationale for biologically based public exposure standard for electromagnetic radiation; 2012, Available from http://www.biomitiature.org (last accessed on 31 December 2012).
  • Camille R. (2016) “Computer and internet use in the United States: 2016” American community survey reports ACS – 39. U.S Census Bureau, Washington, DC, 2017
  • Ciejka E., Kleniewska P., Skibska B., Goraca A. (2012) Effect of extremely low frequency magnetic field on oxidatire balance in brain of rats. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2011; 62: 657 – 61
  • Davanipor, Z., Tseng, C.C., Lees, P.J., Sobel, E., (2007). A case control study of occupational magnetic field exposure and Alzheimer’s disease: result from the California Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and treatment centers. BMC Neurology; 7:3
  • Hakansson, N., Gusravsson, P., Sastre A., Floderus, B., (2003) Occupational exposure to extremely lower frequency magnetic field and mortality from cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Epidemiology. 158: 534 – 42
  • Hayes, J. R., Sheedy, J. E., Stelmack, J. A., Heaney, C. A., (2007) Computer use, symptoms and quality of life. Optometry and Vision Science. 84 (8), 738 – 744. Doi:10.10971OPX.06013e3182f7546
  • Izquierdo, J. C., Garcia, M., Buxo, C., Izquierdo, N. J., (2004) Factors leading to the computer vision syndrome: An issue at the contemporary workplace. Boletin de la Asociacio Medica de Puerto, 96(2); 103 – 110
  • Jop C. T., Josm A. A. M., Van D. (2012) Impact of high EMF levels on childhood leukemia incidence. International Journal of Cancer. Pp. 769 – 778
  • Li, Y. Z., Cgen, S. H., Zhao, K. F., Gui, Y., Fang, S. X., Xu, Y., Ma, Z. J., (2013) Effects of electromagnetic radiation on health and immune function of operators. 31 (8), 602 – 5
  • Loomis, D.P., Savitz D.A. (1990) Mortality from brain cancer leukemia among electrical workers. British Journal of Industrial Medicine. 47: 633 – 8
  • Sharma K.A, Khera S., Khandekar J. (2006) Occupational health problems and role of ergonomics in information technology professional in national capital region. India Journal of Community Medicine. 3: 36 – 8
  • Steadman, P., Hodgkinson, S., (1990) Nuclear disaster and the building environment. Elservier science and technology books, UK.
  • Talwar, R., Kapoor, R., Puri, K., Bansal, K., Singh, S., (2009) A study of visual and musculoskeletal health disorders among computer professionals in NCR Delhi. India Journal of Community Medicine. 34: 326 – 328