MTE Explains:Can Monitors Really Hurt You?

As early as the 1970s, there was a distinct group of people who were concerned about screen safety. Fast forward to 2014, and screens are absolutely everywhere we walk. They're in bars, in hotels, at the DMV, and pretty much anywhere they're helpful in deterring boredom. In the average person's home, you'll find a TV or two and an active monitor somewhere. The increasing presence of screens in our lives has turned their security into an issue that some take so seriously that they call it a crisis. Whenever people are concerned, it's probably helpful to help them understand what's on their mind. And that's what we're going to do!

SummaryHow monitors vary in safetyWhy the CRT concern isn't that big of a concernWhy you should still be concernedConclusion

How monitors vary in safety

First, let's explain why people are concerned:monitors, like any other electronic device, emit non-ionizing radiation. While most of this type of radiation (we'll call it "NI" radiation) won't give you instant cancer, constant long-term exposure to some of its forms will damage your retina and may even lead to damage neurons.

Of course, I would be a bit overly optimistic saying that no monitor will emit ionizing radiation. CRT (box-shaped) monitors emit X-rays.

LED/LCD monitors do not suffer from this problem because they do not use tubes to emit light with electron guns. Instead, they simply emit light through diodes (small surfaces that react to electricity turning it into light) and change the color of each pixel through transistors and liquid crystals.

Why the CRT's concern is not so serious

Your eyes are best used to look at objects moving fluidly through the world. Any strobe effect, however small, can ruin your concentration, forcing your muscles to strain. The long-term effects of this condition have yet to be thoroughly studied, but it's safe to assume that you could end up damaging your eyes in the long run.

Modern high-end monitors are able to retain their capacitor charge throughout the refresh cycle and do not flicker while refreshing. I strongly suggest you invest some money in it if you are concerned. My 27 inch left screen cost me $250 and that was about two years ago.

Conclusion

Let's recap what we've covered so far:

• All monitors emit radiation.
• Some forms of radiation are less harmful than others.
• The radiation emitted by monitors is generally harmless.
• Despite the low levels of radiation, people can still experience long-term damage or short-term headaches from excessive exposure to flickering screens.
• High-end monitors mostly eliminate the flickering effect, which makes them easier on the eyes.

Even if you have a high-end monitor that's virtually flicker-free, I still suggest taking breaks from time to time. You are still looking at a bright artificial light source. Breathe every hour or so.

If you have more helpful tips, or more questions, be sure to leave a comment below! We can all help each other!