Danger Of Laptops To Human Health - Research Paper Example

Danger Of Laptops To Human Health Introduction Prolonged use of laptops while placing them on the lap is unsafe. According to Mercola (2012), recent study on various laptops from different common brands show EMF (Electromagnetic Field) value to be within the range set by ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection). However, the EMF values associated with magnetic field emissions in computer monitors were remarkably high than the proposed values by TCO (Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees) and MPR II (Swedish Board for Technical Accreditation) and were considered a predisposing factor for development of tumour. Moreover, it was clear EMF values were shockingly high in cases where the laptop got into close contact with the body (Mercola, 2012). Laptops pose a huge threat to male reproductive health since they have destructive impact on fertility. The study evaluates laptop market and laptop impact on human health with particular interest on mitigation of the heat and radiations laptops generate. Considering the laptop market, which is dominated by various manufacturers including Lenovo, Hewlett Packard, Apple, Dell, and Toshiba among others, it has increased as disposable income increased. Laptop retail market experienced considerable growth since 2007 because of the advances in technology as well as the decrease in average. This decrease in prices has increased popularity of laptops since they are more affordable and more portable than desktop computers making them very attractive to potential buyers. However, the increasing use of notebooks and tablets is likely to suppress revenue gains associated with laptop computers (The Retail Market for Laptop Computers in the US: Market Research Report, 2013). The laptop market focuses on various groups that include students, design enthusiasts, gadget techies and geeks, and other people who consider laptops to be an entertainment or working tool. The main concern for students is the price of the laptop while gadget geeks look for the most sophisticated systems as design enthusiasts seek advanced systems as well as good looks. Laptops began as computing devices that were portable for individuals who travel often. However, today ultra-portable notebooks are available that weigh as little as two pounds. Such laptops provide small displays as well as keyboards and have prolonged battery life. Besides, other larger laptops weigh approximately 18 pounds and incorporate multimedia features as well as large screen size. These large models attract many people because of such features, which make people adopt them instead of desktop computers. Laptops are easy to use at home than desktop since even large laptops with 17 or 20-inch screen need less space compared to desktop tower. Moreover, plugging other external devices into laptops is easier compared to crawling on the ground or even moving a heavy tower. Other laptops are sold for their durability targeting individuals working in industries like military, construction and archaeology where the laptop is subjected to harsh environment where heat, altitude, humidity or depth are main factors. These laptop computers are referred to as rugged laptops. These laptops are resistant to shock and water and can withstand effect of falls, fire and grease; although, they are heavier than the conventional models (Shoup, 2011 p.21). It is commonly acknowledged that scrotal heat close or above the body temperature harms male fertility. Various studies show genital heat stress has direct impairment of semen quality. Stage-specific process of cell death (apoptosis) in male germ cells give way to a decreased number of potent sperm, which is one of the ways genital hyperthermia changes semen quality. Especially sub fertile men should thus avoid increase in heat around the genital area. One of the factors that show increase in scrotal heat is the use of laptops (Carrell, 2013 p.136). According to Hitti (n.d), between 15% and 20% of couples in need of getting pregnant are unable to conceive. Most of the cases the issue arises from men. In recent studies, researchers have noted declining sperm production in the past few decades. This is attributed to increased scrotal temperature, which is linked to infertility in men. Although, various factors increase scrotal temperature like hot baths and saunas, laptop computers are also in the list because heat generated by the laptop adds to the problem (Hitti, n.d). Recent scientific research establishes radiation from cell phones affect reproductive health, when switched on and in close contact with the body. These same risks are also relevant when laptops are operated on the human body (Burrell, 2010). According to Burrell (2010), studies show radiation from laptops damage the DNA of sperms, which suggest the risky nature of radiations laptops emit. Moreover, since radiations from laptops impair both sperm DNA and mobility, it is clear that laptops are not meant to be used on the lap (Burrell, 2010). However, if an individual insists on using laptop by placing it on the lap, then it would be advisable to use the new product: Strappyz that prevents the laptop from heating up. Hot laptops give way to roasted skin syndrome, which in clinical terms is known as erythema ab igne. This is an abnormal rash developing because of exogenous sources of heat. The term has its basis on Latin phrase that means “redness from the fire.” For reasons that are not known, not everyone who gets exposed to various sources of heat have this rash. Most people develop it without knowing that it exists. The various acknowledged sources of “roasted skin” include heating blankets, hot water bottles, heater and even laptop computers. Any source of exogenous heat results in this reaction even though the precise temperature required to have a roasted skin is unknown. This skin condition is evident in all people from different races. The instigating factor for the skin condition is the exogenous heat applied on the skin; the exposure is usually persistent and recurring. Laptops are capable of releasing large quantities of energy like infrared radiation; thus, if an individual persistently uses a laptop in close proximity to the skin, the erythema ab igne rash can develop in anterior thighs (Smith et al., 2011 p.96). Erythema ab igne results from direct impact of heat on the skin. Even though the temperature required to develop this rash is not precisely defined, the range between 430C and 470C appear to be appropriate (Smith et al., 2011 p.96). Nevertheless, for the rash to develop there needs to be repeated exposure to temperatures that cause sub thermal burning. More exposures as well as prolonged exposures from laptops seem to increase the risk of developing erythema ab igne although the precise mechanism of developing the rash is unknown. To treat the rash, the main aim involves establishing and eliminating the source of exogenous heat. After removing the source of heat, the rashes can slowly disappear over a period of months although hyperpigmented areas are likely to persist (Smith et al., 2011 p.96). With Strappyz, laptop users will be able to prevent the occurrence of the rash in the first place since the product prevents the laptop from heating up and prevents radiations that penetrate the human body. According to Martin (2010), a recent instance involving a young boy depicted a “skin discolouration” on the left thigh following prolonged hours per day of playing computer games for several months. Although the young boy was aware of the increasing heat from the laptop, he never bothered to move it. Moreover, in a different case, a student in Virginia sought medical attention after realising her legs showed skin discolouration (Martin, 2010). According to Martin (2010), the doctor who treated the lady with skin discolouration realised that the lady’s laptop that she used for hours recorded temperature readings of 125 degrees. Moreover, there was an instance where an obese person who kept his laptop on the belly only to later develop discolouration that never disappeared (Martin, 2010). All these cases point out to the erythema ab igne caused by laptop heat and radiation. Moving the laptop as well as putting a protective cover like Strappyz it is possible to prevent “roasted skin.” Skin discolouration caused by laptops is an indication of the way people hurt their health by not being careful with their technology. This propelled the desire to develop Strappyz. “Roasted skin” is a fresh condition doctors are realising among users of laptop computers who place them directly on their body. Unprotected thigh skin appears mottled because of sustaining mild burns resulting from the heat laptop computers emit. Although the condition is hardly ever serious, it occurs as a result of continued exposure to laptop heat and radiation. Moreover, constant use of laptop on the body can occasionally result in skin cancer. According to Arnold and Itin as cited in (Martin, 2010), hot Laptops have the ability to induce skin damage that can give way to skin cancer and although it is extremely uncommon, the threat still remains. Clearly, laptops appear to present serious health issues compared to desktop computers. Other products Defender pad is a product that provides protection against laptop heat and radiation. Through this product’s unique solution, it offers a definitive safety when using the current mobile technology. This product blocks almost 100% of all dangerous electromagnetic radiation and considerably decreases the amount of heat laptops emit. This product replaces the conventional cooling pads, lap desk and lap trays since it promises to protect laptop users anywhere through this all-round shield against laptop radiation and heat. The advanced technology in this product blocks ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) radiation which is generated by computer components like memory, hard drives and processors. Moreover, this product is capable of blocking higher frequency RF (Radio Frequency) radiation generated by devices connected to Wi-Fi to access the internet. Defender pad diverts, absorbs and deflects these harmful emissions. This product is exemplary since no other product solution eliminates both RF and ELF radiation (Laptop Radiation Shield - EMF Protection and Shielding – DefenderPad, n.d). EMF Shield Pad is another product that provides protection against EMF emitted by laptops and offers protection against heat radiated by laptops. The product prevents increase in scrotal temperature owing to the heat emitted by laptops or tablets. This in return prevents issues associated with the use of laptops and male fertility because of the high temperature laptops emit (EMF & Heat Shield Laptop Pad | Personal Protection against EMF radiation & heat, n.d). Safe sleeve is a laptop accessory, which has various functions like protecting the computer when moving around and when using the laptop. The product offers personal protection against EMF radiation. By placing safesleeve under the laptop, military grade material that is free of lead shields a user from EMF as well as heat emissions generated by the laptop (SafeSleeve: The All-in-One Radiation Blocking Laptop Case, n.d). HARApad Elite design acts as a protection against magnetic field radiations and the body underneath the shield. The product’s advanced radiation protection material has a section that decreases heat through dissipating it to the environment while ensuring that it never gets to the user’s body as well as the laptop. Just place the product under the laptop and its rigid polymer will function like a firm platform useful to both 17” and 15.4” laptops (HARApad Laptop Radiation and Heat Shield, n.d). List of references Burrell, L. (2010, August 9). Laptop Radiation And Your Sperm. Retrieved December 3, 2014. Carrell, D. T. (2013). Paternal influences on human reproductive success. EMF & Heat Shield Laptop Pad | Personal Protection against EMF radiation & heat. (n.d.). Accessed December 4, 2014. HARApad Laptop Radiation and Heat Shield. (n.d.). Accessed December 4, 2014. Hitti, M. (n.d.). Laptop Computers May Affect Male Fertility. Accessed December 3, 2014. Laptop Radiation Shield - EMF Protection and Shielding – DefenderPad (n.d.). Accessed December 4, 2014, Martin, R. (2010, November 21). How Hazardous Are Laptops To Your Health? Accessed December 3, 2014, Mercola (2012, March 5). Warning: Laptop Use Exposes You to EMFs. Accessed December 3, 2014 SafeSleeve: The All-in-One Radiation Blocking Laptop Case. (n.d.). Accessed December 4, 2014, Shoup, K. (2011). Simply Laptops. Hoboken, John Wiley & Sons. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=661734. Smith, R. P., Netter, F. H., Machado, C. A. G., & Netter, F. H. (2011). The Netter collection of medical illustrations. Philadelphia, PA, Elsevier. The Retail Market for Laptop Computers in the US: Market Research Report. (2013). Accessed December 3, 2014. Read More