The Negative Affects of Working at a Computer on the Human Body - Term Paper Example

The Negative Affects of Working At A Computer on the Human Body This essay is concerned with the various possible negative effects of computer use, in both home and at work. These can be both psychological and physical. It also considers ways in which such problems can be alleviated or eliminated, whether on an individual or by an employer or according to guidelines and legislation. Introduction In the 21st century even those who do not have a computer of their own may benefit from its myriad capabilities. It has become apparently indispensable for work, play, education and communication. As the population of the world has increased the computer has allowed organizations to deal with the complexity of the modern world. However there has been much discussion about the possible negative effects on the human body of working on a computer. The desk top computer has now been in use for long enough for some people to have spent the majority of their working lives sitting at as computer screen, and these machines have become so indispensable that often the majority of the working day is spent at the keyboard. This document will consider the effects this could have on them, considering such things as the musculoskeletal framework, the nervous system, spinal injuries from prolonged poor posture and lack of exercise. There are also psychological issues to be considered. People accept computers as being essential to their work in a 21st century office, but , although they may be aware of discussions about negative effects, may not be aware that this could apply to them until symptoms make their appearance. This means that managers, human resource staff, government health departments and groups such as trade unions have to carry some responsibility for educating those whose work is concerned with computer use,. It also means there have to be guidelines about such things as how long a person should sit at a keyboard without a break and the use of such things as ergonomic keyboards which offer some support. Medical staff, especially those employed by larger companies, need to be aware that they need to ask about work practices when a patient presents with the common symptoms of over work at a computer. Possible Negative Effects Harmful Rays According to the Southern Californian College of Optometry although it was once feared that harmful rays from computers could cause harm there is no actual evidence of this. Eye strain Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS can be considered a common complaint. The Southern California College of Optometry, (2005) on its web page ‘Negative Effects of Computer Use’ state that 17% of eye examinations conducted in the United States as initiated because of vision problems caused by computer use. The term describes a collection of vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of computers. The symptoms complained of include headaches, eyestrain, blurring of the vision accompanied by dry eyes and pain in the shoulders and neck regions. According to The American Optometric Association, 80 percent of those who use computers on a regular basis experience some form of eye strain.( 2006-10) The effects seem to be worse the longer computer sessions are maintained. It is stated by the Association that the symptoms occur because computer work makes the eyes work harder than when doing other activities. For instance reading text on a computer screen may involve reading letters which are not as well defined where they might be. Also there may not be as good a contrast with the background as in a book and there is also the question of glare. The human eye is capable of discerning between something like 6 million colors, but computers use many millions more than this. This means that contrast on the screen may not be as good as it might be. The angle of viewing is also often rather different from that used when reading text on paper and involves different muscles and movements. This can be especially so for those who wear glasses which are not designed especially for computer viewing. Pain Some of those people whose work involve intensive periods of computer use have reported having pain in their wrists, their arms, and into their neck. This sort of problem has various descriptions :- and repetitive stress injury (RSI); regional musculoskeletal disorder (R-MSD) and cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), These terms are used to refer to a collection of soft-tissue conditions in the arms such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, tendonitis and rheumatism. Technically all or any of these conditions are referred to as Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders ( WRMDs). Carpel tunnel syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome develops usually as the result of a combination of negative influences that cause increased pressure upon the median nerve and the tendons in the carpal tunnel, which is in the wrist. The symptoms are burning, itching or stinging pains in the palm or fingers, often especially strong in the thumb, middle and index fingers and when the wrists are flexed. Grip strength may be affected, as may the ability to tell the difference between heat and cold. In some people the tunnel is quite a confined space as the result of their genetic makeup and such people are more inclined than others to develop symptoms. It is much common in women than in men simply because they tend to be more slightly built. The National Institute of Neurological disorders and Stroke ( 2009) state that it is not caused by excessive keyboard use , and the condition is in fact more common among workers on assembly lines whose work involves constant very repetitive movements. However if people are inclined to have carpel tunnel problems then computer use will be painful and difficult, as it will be for those who have other conditions that affect joints and nerves such as arthritis and rheumatics. Tenosynovitis Tenosynovitis is the name given to the inflammation of the synovium i.e fluid-filled sheath surrounding a tendon, possibly caused by using hand tools. The symptoms include pain and swelling. These cause difficulties in moving a particular joint. Sometimes , if a finger is affected, it may stick rigidly in a flexed position. This is commonly called , "Trigger Finger". De Quervains tenosynovitis syndrome was in the past often diagnosed among washerwomen who had to spend a lot of time wringing out wet washing. This was because they were constantly moving their thumbs. Those who use hammers all day have similar symptoms, and in recent times so do some computer users according to the article ‘De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Computer Mouse’(2009). Problems such as this can be exacerbated in children, because computers and their accessories are designed for adult, rather than children’s hands. Seating and Posture Many companies spend large amounts of money on their office environment. This may well include buying ergonomically positive seating. However having good seating does not necessarily ensure that workers sit correctly. Some will slouch and collapse their neck as they read the screen. Others will have paper documents they need to refer to at an awkward angle, which means frequent twisting movements of the head and neck and even the truck . Others will lean forward far too close to the screen. Modern home furnishings tend to encourage poor sitting positions and people can actually forget what it feels like to site correctly. All these factors have negative effects on such parts of the body as the muscles of the neck and spine with resulting pain and uneven pressures. Lack of exercise and resulting obesity or lack of fitness. Spending many hours each day on a computer only exercises the brain and upper limbs. This is alright if the person concerned also spends time exercising several times a week. The result will be an increased likelihood of cardiovascular disease according to the Singapore Heart Foundation (2008) . There are indirect links also with obesity as those who dislike physical exercise will choose to occupy themselves with sedentary tasks. I t is these same people who are likely to eat more calories than their decreased exercise levels require. Breathing effects Most people who use a computer also use a printer. Some people are very sensitive to the dust produced by toners used by laser printers as described on the web page Safe Computer Tips ( 2005-2010) In such cases wheezes, sneezing and coughs may develop. Bryant ( 2007) states that on testing one third of printers emitted levels of toner which could be potentially dangerous. The particles are minute, small enough to be drawn deep inside the lungs where they cause irritation. This can develop gradually into chronic illness unless steps are taken to alleviate the problem. New cartridges caused the most problems as did the printing of graphics which require amounts of toner. Social and psychological effects Working or playing on a computer can be socially isolating. There are people who really are trapped in their homes by disabilities or for other reasons, and for them a computer can be a social lifeline. They are useful of course. It is so much easier to send an e-mail to a company for instance than holding a phone for five minutes waiting for a human voice. But there are those who come home from work and who, instead of spending their free time in real life social contact, enter instead game worlds for hours on end each and every night while their partners despair. Conversation just interrupts game play. Some would go as far as describing such habits as addictive. As well as the social isolation there may well be any or of all the physical problems described elsewhere, perhaps exacerbated by poor eating habits, missed meals and binge eating. In 2003 ( Times of India) there was a report from Japan which stated that using a computer , even for only 5 hours a day, causes such symptoms as depression, anxiety, fatigue and insomnia. The report called upon employers to restrict hours of computer use. In offices using a computer all day can definitely be psychologically negative. At present, according to the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, as cited in the article described above, one in four more each day. Apart from physical problems the operator is office workers use a computer for 5 hours or communicating with a screen rather than with a real person, even if other workers are only sitting a few feet away. Often the work involves much repetitive transferring or manipulating of data rather than being in any way creative or involving more than minimal input ,except mechanically from the operator. There may be pressure to achieve high volumes of work, but little positive response from bosses, especially if there is no physical interaction, but work merely being sent on via the computers. How negative effects can be minimized. Screen light The continuous glare from a screen can have negative effects, as can poor office lighting, incorrect viewing distances, unrelated vision problems such as astigmatism and farsightedness which results in wrong focus, which remain uncorrected, poor posture or any combination of these factors. ( Mc Dermott 2010) and the American Optometric Association ( 2006-10). It is possible to obtain glasses specifically designed to be used by computer workers, even those people who do not require visual assistance in other circumstances. These special glasses allow workers to work for longer periods without eye strain. Most of the vision problems will disappear if long periods of computer work cease., although there may be those who continue to experience problems such as blurring long term. For the majority reading black text on a white background is best, but there may be some people for whom reading white on black is a better option according to the Southern Californian College of Optometry ( 2005) Seating and posture Most office chairs are adjustable. The chair should be at a height so that the eyes are opposite the text or looking down on it rather than up. Also the knees should be somewhat lower than that the hip joints in order to sit in as relaxed a position as possible. The wrists should rest on the desk rather than being in a pianist’s position. Too often there just isn’t room to do this in front of the monitor. The height should be so that the feet can rest flat on the floor rather than being tucked under the chair. This means that if taller or shorter workers take over at a particular desk then adjustments may need to be made. The shoulders and back should feel relaxed. Exercise and Rest Relaxing the eyes and head occasionally can be beneficial ( Mc Dermott 2010) . Simple exercise such as squeezing the eyes and looking from side to side without moving the head can help. Closing the eyes and massaging the eye balls is recommended, as is gently moving the flesh of the temples. Stretching the neck and back can also aid relaxation. Touching the chin to various points on the chest will relax the muscles and allow improved blood flow to them. None of these exercises require the person to stand. The Southern California College of Optometry ( 2005) describes how candid photos of computer users see them slouching towards their desks, especially towards the end of their working day. The American Optometric Association state that a program of vision exercise therapy may be required =to treat specific problems. This therapy trains the eyes and brain so that they work together more successfully. Employer Policies Many companies have computer use policies, such as the SANS Organization. These however are not usually concerned with the health of workers, but are concerned with security. They are concerned with ‘acceptable use’ as far as company profits and efficiency are concerned, but take little account of the physical and psychological effects on their employees, even if without them there would be no company to protest. Breathing Problems These would not develop if there was adequate ventilation, in particular if air is drawn away from the operator. However some buildings are sealed. If there are problems it is recommended that the operator goes out into fresh air for a few minutes every hour unless windows can be opened. Researchers at Sydney University , as quoted by Bryant ( 2007) say that governments should intervene to ensure by introducing legislation that would ensure offices have a good quality of circulating air. Toxic Effects Ergruder and Duruk (2006) measured the amounts of various chemicals in the saliva, before, during and after computer use. They concluded that intense computer use could negatively affect the body’s immune response. Treating Symptoms Early Symptoms, whether dry eyes or the pain of tenosynovitis should not be ignored. The latter, treated early with anti inflammatory drugs and rest, will be relieved in a few weeks. If however it continues untreated it may ultimately require surgery. It is also believed that, as some computer companies claim, the use of a ergonomic computer mouse will decrease the prevalence of this condition. Also recommended is the use of a split keyboard which it is claimed will decrease tension in the hands. Breaks. It seems obvious that work breaks are required, but what is important is that the correct frequency is needed. 5 minute breaks need to be taken every hour as well as a longer 15 minute break if you feel exceptionally tired. Those who spend long hours socially isolating themselves need people around them who care enough to try and break the addictive cycle. It need not be about giving up computer use, but being sensible. Otherwise relationships are going to suffer and you cannot cuddle a computer. Screen Positions The majority of workers find it best to look at a screen from slightly above. The screen should preferably be 15 to 20 degrees below normal eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) when measured from the middle of the screen. It should also be about 20 to 28 inches away from the eyes. Ideal position of worker and screen ( American Optometric Association . Reference materials should be placed above the keyboard , but below the monitor. Otherwise a document holder can be used to one side. The aim is to position all documents so that there is no requirement to move the head while working. On the other hand if they are mostly carrying out paper based reading and keyboard entry of data it may be best if the monitor is somewhat to one side and the paper work more directly in front of them. I f however they are looking at the screen for most of the time then it needs to be directly in front of them at an appropriate angle as in the diagram above. Toxic Effects Ergruder and Duruk ( 2006) concluded that the possible effects of computer use on the immune system can be overcome by what they describe as ‘nutritional support ‘, that is eating sufficient supplies of fruit and vegetables. Employer Policies There will always be companies that care about their employees and realize their worth, and other companies who care only about profits and production levels. In the former case it will be easier to negotiate, individually and in groups, for better and safer conditions. In the latter case the unions and government organizations will have the responsibility of producing guidelines and even legislation. Large companies need to employ their own health and safety officers who are as concerned for employee mental and physical health as well as such things as the dates on fire extinguishers. Smaller organizations may need to call in experts either on an ad hoc or regular basis. When the industrial revolution came in the 19th century a body of legislation was developed in order to protect workers. Temperatures for work places, hours of work, minimum ages etc were all legislated for. The Information Technology has nor occurred and is continuing to occur. It has brought with it problems that were never previously envisaged. These need dealing with both by individuals and on a wider scale, just as in the19th century huge changes were brought about. Conclusion I t is obvious from the facts outlined above that overuse of a computer can lead to negative consequences. However, with the present state of technology, much modern business, and organizations such as health and education authorities, would find it very difficult to function unless workers spend a lot of time sitting at computers. As has been pointed out however there is much than can be done to minimise problems. Workers and well as their bosses and human resources managers, health and safety officials etc need to be aware of the possible problems and also the means to alleviate these. It is a matter of balance. Much of it is to do with achieving a more positive life style and attitude and realising that workers are people with rights including such things as health protection and an entitlement to self government. Perhaps there is work that does not require computer use that a person could do for at least part of their working day. They should be encouraged to take real breaks, going out for lunch, rather than taking it at their desks for instance. Some of the responsibility will be upon employers, but there is also much that individual workers can achieve for themselves such as changing glasses, eating properly and being aware of possible hazards. Computers will evolve, but it will a long time in the future before they disappear. Humanity must also evolve ways to work with them in a positive way. References American Optometric Association, ( 2006-10) Computer Vision Syndrome, retrieved 4th December 2010 from http://www.aoa.org/x5253.xml Bryant, N. (31st July 2007) , Office printers are Health Risk, BBC News , retrieved 5th December 2010 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/6923915.stm Continuous computer work causes insomnia: Study, ( January 1st 2003) Times of India, retrieved 6th December 2010 from http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Continuous-computer-work-causes-insomnia-Study/articleshow/32764509.cms De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Computer Mouse, Mouse Arena, retrieved 5th December 2010 from http://www.mousearena.com/de-quervains-tenosynovitis-computer-mouse/ Ergruder, I. and Duruk, I. ( 2006)Effects of Computer Use on Human Salivary Oxidant/Antioxidant Status, OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences 6 (1): 14-17, retrieved 6th December 2010 from http://www.scipub.org/fulltext/ojbs/ojbs6114-17.pdf Laser Printers and Breathing Problems, Safe Computing Tips.com, retrieved 6th December 2010 from http://www.safecomputingtips.com/ergonomic-computer-problems.html McDermott,L. ( 2010) Working Behind a Computer - How to Avoid the Negative Health Effects, Ezine @rticles , retrieved 4th December 2010 from http://ezinearticles.com/?Working-Behind-a-Computer---How-to-Avoid-the-Negative-Health-Effects&id=4028560 SANS ( 20067) , Acceptable Use Policy, retrieved 6th December 2010 fromhttp://www.sans.org/security-resources/policies/Acceptable_Use_Policy.pdf Singapore Heart Foundation,( 2008) Lack of Exercise, retrieved 5th December 2010 from http://www.myheart.org.sg/factor-you-can-change/lack-of-exercise/ Southern California College of Optometry, ( 2005) Negative Effects of Computer Use, retrieved 5th December 2010 from http://www.scco.edu/ceonline/courseview.asp?selclassid=3&selID=4&selOrderID=4 Read More