Are Computers Hazardous to your Health?
Nov 21, 2001 11:45 AM
Resources
Q: Where can I get more information about the health problems associated with computer use?
A: Repetitive Strain Injury: A Computer User’s Guide (New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1994) by Emil Pascarelli, MD, and Deborah Quilter covers prevention, diagnosis and treatment of computer injuries as well as emotional and legal issues.
Another excellent source of information is the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), 275 Seventh Avenue, 8th floor, New York, New York 10001. NYCOSH, is a pro-labor/nonprofit organization that focuses on the prevention and treatment of workplace injuries. Its telephone hotline provides answers to a variety of questions about ergonomic issues and Worker’s Compensation (212/627-3900). It also publishes a variety of materials about these issues.
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Additional information on repetitive strain injuries and potential hazards from exposure to electromagnetic energy is provided in two books by Mark A. Pinsky: The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Book: Preventing and Treating CTS, Tendinitis and Related Cumulative Trauma Disorders (1993) and The EMF Book: What You Should Know About Electromagnetic Fields, Electromagnetic Radiation and Your Health (1995). Both are published by Warner Books.
Stephanie Brown’s book, Preventing Computer Injuries: The Hand Book, which teaches typing techniques that are designed to minimize the risk of repetitive strain injury, has been converted into a computer program called Key Moves. The book and program are sold as a package by Ergonome, 145 West 96th Street, New York, NY 10025, (212) 222-9600.
Additional resources used in the preparation of this booklet include these titles:
An Ergonomics Guide to VDT Workstations. (Virginia: American Industrial Hygiene Association, 1994)
Brody, Jane. "Making Computer Use Easier on the Eyes." New York Times, August 7, 1996.
Cumulative Trauma Disorders of the Hand and Wrist: An Ergonomics Guide. (Virginia: American Industrial Hygiene Association, 1994)
Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs): A Training Workbook for Working People. (New York: Labor Institute, 1995)
Exercises: Do They Help Prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries? (Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, 1992. Prepared by the Office Technology Education Project, Somerville, MA.)
Have A Seat: A Consumer’s Guide to Buying an Office Chair. (New York: New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health [NYCOSH], 1995)
Repetitive Strain Injuries: If You Work at a Computer Terminal, You Are at Risk. (Massachusetts Department of Industrial Safety, 1990. Prepared by the Office of Technology Education Project, Somerville, MA.)
Stop Repetitive Motion Disorders. (New York: Communication Workers of America, District 1, 80 Pine Street, New York, NY 10005)
VDTs Are Hard on Your Eyes. (Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Women’s Health Division)
