ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS OF COMPUTING

Computing and Health

Author: Sherdon Smith
Date Updated: Apr. 12, 2014
Occupation: Student (University of the West Indies, Mona)


WHAT IS COMPUTING?


Computing is any goal-oriented activity requiring, benefiting from, or creating algorithmic processes - e.g. through computers. Computing includes designing, developing and building hardware and software systems; processing, structuring, and managing various kinds of information; doing scientific research on and with computers; making computer systems behave intelligently; and creating and using communications and entertainment media.


WHAT IS HEALTH ?


Health is the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of a living organism. In humans, it is the general condition of a person's mind and body, usually meaning to be free from illness, injury or pain he World Health Organization (WHO) defined health in its broader sense in 1946 as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.



HOW COMPUTERS EFFECT HUMAN HEALTH?

Some major effects of computer are listed below:

Eye Strain

Staring at a computer monitor for hours on end has become a part of the modern workday. And inevitably, all of that staring can put a real strain on your eyes The name for eye problems caused by computer use is computer vision syndrome (CVS). CVS is not one specific eye problem. Instead, the term encompasses a whole range of eye strain and pain experienced by computer users. Research shows computer eye problems are common. Somewhere between 50% and 90% of people who work at a computer screen have at least some symptoms of eye trouble. In addition, working adults aren't the only ones vulnerable to computer vision syndrome. Kids who stare at portable video games or who use computers throughout the day at school also can experience eye problems related to computer use, especially if the lighting and computer position are less than ideal.

DR Fong gives more info on CVS- CLICK HERE

How Can the Computer Screen Affect Vision?

Computer vision syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries at work. It occurs when you're carrying out the same motion over and over again. Just like those other repetitive stress injuries, computer vision syndrome can get worse the longer you continue the activity. Working at a computer requires that the eyes continuously focus, move back and forth, and align with what you are seeing. You may have to look down at papers and then back up to type, and the eyes have to accommodate to changing images on the screen in order to create a clear picture for the brain to interpret. All of these functions require a lot of effort from eye muscles. Working on a computer is more challenging to your eyes than reading a book or piece of paper, because a computer screen also adds the elements of screen contrast, flicker, and glare. Computer eye problems are more likely to occur if you already have an eye problem,such as nearsightedness or astigmatism,or if you need glasses but don't wear them or wear the wrong prescription for computer use. Working at a computer gets even more difficult as you get older. That's because the lens of your eye becomes less flexible. The ability to focus on near and far objects starts to diminish after about age 40: a condition called presbyopia

What Symptoms Are Part of Computer Vision Syndrome?

There's no evidence that computer vision syndrome causes any long-term damage to the eyes -- for example, cataracts. However, regular computer use can be the source of significant eyestrain and discomfort. If you have computer vision syndrome, you may experience some or all of these symptoms. The following Images show a red,dry eye and an eye irritation respectively:

Dry Red Eyes (GRAPHIC CONTENT - CLICK HERE TO VIEW IMAGE)
Red Eye Irritation (GRAPHIC CONTENT - CLICK HERE TO VIEW IMAGE)

Click the following links for more information:

If these symptoms are not treated, they can have a real effect on your work performance. Visit your eye doctor regularly for an exam to ensure your prescriptions are adequate. Let the doctor know about any eyestrain or other problems you're experiencing at work. You may need glasses or contact lenses to correct your computer eye problems.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome


What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel - a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand - houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. Although painful sensations may indicate other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common and widely known of the entrapment neuropathies in which the body's peripheral nerves are compressed or traumatized.


Click here for more Info on CTS

E-Waste and Health

E-waste is a term used to cover almost all types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) that has or could enter the waste stream. Although e-waste is a general term, it can be considered to cover TVs, computers, mobile phones, white goods (e.g. fridges, washing machines, dryers etc.), home entertainment and stereo systems, toys, toasters, kettles – almost any household or business item with circuitry or electrical components with power or battery supply.

Electronic equipments let us enjoy life to the fullest. We may feel like we can't do without them. But, these equipment proof to be equally dangerous as to how they are beneficial.Additionally, these equipment contain hazardous substances which proof to be very dangerous. For more information follow the following link.

Click Here!

Hidden Problems in Computing




Image Showing Mr. Jerome-Parks who was overdose by radiation

Computers prove to be very useful in monitoring machines to aid in curing illnesses such as cancer. However, these machines and computers are not always precise in the utilization of the job.There may be mishaps and a lot these mishaps are place behind the curtains; the public are not aware of these issues.

These problems are,however, now being displayed to the general public as the problem posted in the video above was also pen by NEW YORK TIMES.
Click the following link to view this article.

Click Here!

Cell Phone and Human Health


Cell phones emit radio frequency energy, a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, which can be absorbed by tissues closest to where the phone is held. The amount of radio frequency energy a cell phone user is exposed to depends on the technology of the phone, the distance between the phone’s antenna and the user, the extent and type of use, and the user’s distance from cell phone towers. Studies,thus far,have not shown a consistent link between cell phone use and cancers of the brain, nerves, or other tissues of the head or neck. More research is needed because cell phone technology and how people use cell phones have been changing rapidly.

To get further information on Cancer such as the possible solutions to reduce effects and more.See Cell phone and cancer risks

How to reduce the dangerous effects of cell phones:


For detail information on the above Click here!

Safe or Unsafe Phones


Since cellphones proof to be devices that emits radiation and can affect our health.
Are you not curious to see the ones that emit less radiation? If you do you, just follow the following link.


  1. Safer Cell Phones

  2. Unsafe Cell Phones

Biophenol A and Human Health

Biophenol A (BPA) is a synthetic oestrogen that is used to harden polycarbonate plastics , which are clear and shatter proof. BPA is found in a lot items we utilize in our daily lives. To view the these and items and to acquire additional information; follow the link below.
Items containing BPA


Even though BPA proves to be helpful in our lives there are side effects to it. One item that contain BPA and stand out is Cash register Receipts.
There is a great possibility that we, consumers, can not avoid using cash receipts since everyday we make purchases. Scientists believe that it's
used should be restricted on cash register receipts. Watch the following videos to get more insights cash register receipts and BPA in general.


Cell Phones and Germs

Did you know that the Cell phone you spoke on last night or this morning could have more germs than a toilet seat?

Some time we drop our phones, we put it on the toilet seat then later we show someone something on it. That's how we are passing on germs. This subject is a very serious matter. Follow the following link to get aware of ton of germs in our hands.

Cell Phones and Germs

******Sherdon Smith is an aspiring Actuary studying at the University Of the West Indies******





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