PROTECTION

The best “shielding” from ELF energy is physical distance. This is especially true for people sitting next to (rather than in front of) a desktop computer monitor. The ELF field dies off rapidly with distance from the monitor cabinet. Computer workstations in an office environment should be at least 1.5 m (about 5 ft) apart. You should keep at least 0.5 m (about 18 in) away from the front of your own monitor. A monitor can be shut off when it’s not in use. Special monitors designed to minimize ELF fields are available. They are rather expensive, but they can offer peace of mind for people concerned about possible long-term health effects from exposure to ELF fields. You’ll sometimes see devices marketed with claims to eliminate or greatly reduce ELF fields. Some such schemes are effective; others are not. Electrostatic screens that you can place in front of the monitor glass to keep it from attracting dust will not stop ELF fields. Neither will glare filters. The ELF issue has attracted the attention of fear mongers and quacks, as well as the interest of legitimate scientists. It is best to avoid blowing it out of proportion and not to succumb to unsubstantiated media hype. If you are concerned about ELF radiation in your home or work environment, consult someone whose word you can trust, such as a computer hardware engineer or a wireless communications engineer.