For many years, since computers appeared, PCs had to be placed on a hard surface like a table because of their bulkiness. Now the size has decreased significantly, and almost all devices can do without power for some time. Since they have become much more mobile, the question arises: is it possible to keep a laptop on your lap?
The problem is that an electronic device in such close proximity to the abdomen transmits all waves and radiation directly to human organs. Researchers have determined what this affects.
1. The effect of radiation on reproductive organs
It may seem that the laptop is completely harmless. Then is it possible to keep the laptop on your lap? The main harm is caused by the reception of wireless Internet signals and the emission of electromagnetic waves. Its proximity to the reproductive organs affects sperm count in men and fertility in women.
Scientists have discovered that while on a man’s lap, a laptop damages sperm DNA. It has been suggested that wireless Internet access in close proximity to the testicles may lead to a decrease in male fertility.
Checking the laptop on a gaussmeter shows that the level of many of them is above 200 milliguss, and the safe ranges should not exceed 0.3-1. In a safety report on electromagnetic interference back in 1996, it was stated that the laptop should be located at least 20 cm from the chassis. So you need to think three times before deciding whether men can keep the laptop on their lap.
2. The effect of the laptop on the skin
In addition to affecting the internal organs, the skin of a person is also significantly damaged. A number of possible violations were noted:
- Researchers have found that a hot laptop can damage the skin on your knees and even contribute to the development of skin cancer.
- The previous statement was supported by dermatologist Anthony J. Mancini. He believes that this effect increases the likelihood of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. This kind is much more serious than the more common form.
- Holding the laptop on your lap in close proximity to the reproductive organs can provoke cancer of the testicles and ovaries. This makes you wonder if you can hold the laptop on your lap, and especially on your stomach.
- Spending a lot of time on a laptop lying on its feet can develop “fried skin syndrome”. Placing electronic devices such as computers near the body for a long time can cause an unusual-looking speck on the skin or a rash. A similar effect caused by the prolonged action of heat is observed in glassblowers and bakers and is similar to sunburn. The defect disappears some time after the termination of the frequent contact of the laptop with the damaged area. Despite the relative harmlessness of the syndrome, persistent staining of the skin may remain.
3. Harm to the musculoskeletal system
A recent study showed that declination over a laptop that lies on your knees often causes pain in the neck and back. There is a simple solution that I don’t want to use: keep the laptop in a permanent workplace. It was found that the table solves most of the problems with posture when working at the computer.
4. Effect on sleep
A familiar situation: before going to bed, a laptop is taken to bed on his knees. Since the device is now at eye level, artificial screen light suppresses the secretion of melanin, which is responsible for healthy sleep.
If insomnia has been observed for several days, it may be time to reconsider your attitude to the laptop. Replacing an electronic device with a regular printed book will help you go to sleep much faster.
If you can’t do without a laptop in the dark, it is better to install an extension in the browser that will adjust the screen brightness level depending on the time of day.
5. Laptop and pregnancy
Prolonged use of the laptop affects female fertility and reproductive abilities. This can delay egg formation and complicate conception.
If the radiation did not interfere with the conception, but the parents did not think about whether it is possible for pregnant women to keep the laptop on their knees, and continue in the same vein, the fetus may have health problems. Moreover, the likelihood of a miscarriage increases. After birth, children have a chance of congenital diseases and developmental problems.
The publication Environment and Occupational Health found that the mother and fetus are more susceptible to electromagnetic interference from laptops than in the immediate vicinity of high-voltage power lines or movie screens. Moms holding an electronic device so close to their body are at serious risk of compromising their baby’s health.
Limit exposure to harmful radiation
The most effective way of protection would be to limit the use of a laptop, but this is unlikely to succeed, so you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- Do not hold the laptop on your lap or stomach.
- If possible, limit the use of Wi-Fi networks.
- Internet connection via cable.
- Use a laptop screen protector.
Even if you can’t follow all the tips, it’s better not even to think about whether you can keep the laptop on your lap, since even a little comfort is not worth such health problems.