Ergonomic Problems is also caused from the computers give off different types of gasses. Some people are highly sensitive to these gasses. One source of this 'gas' is the plastic components; most plastics are unstable and break down naturally over time, especially when exposed to ultraviolet light and sunlight. (That's the reason why they turn yellow and brittle.)
The gasses given off by this breakdown are called 'out-gassing' and only occur in small amounts. But when the equipment is new, the out-gassing is much greater and noticeable even to people who aren't particularly sensitive.
This is similar to the smell that we get when we enter a new car. That smell is out-gassing from the vinyl, plastic carpet and hard plastic interiors, as well as the wiring. A new computer has a similar smell.
People who have been sensitized (by previous exposure to plastic solvents) may react to even small amounts of this gas by getting headaches, dizziness, and respiratory Problems, etc. Chips and printed circuits use mercury-based compounds that give off a gas when current flows through them. The solution is to work in a room with good ventilation.
Other Office Materials which cause Ergonomic Problems
New office furnishings are also nasty - chipboard uses phenolic resins and formaldehydes; carpeting (especially foam padding), paint and fabrics give off obnoxious chemicals when new. So you need to open every window you can for as many days as you can.
The solvents in whiteout, rubber cement thinner and permanent magic marker (like Sharpies) cause "damage to the central and peripheral nervous system." Toluene, xylol, xylene, benzine, n-hezane, etc. are truly toxic. Contact the manufacturers for more info. It has be experienced that latex causes serious reactions in hospitals.
LASER PRINTERS and Breathing Problems
Laser printers emit a lot of toner dust, which contains carbon and solvents, and quite a few people are sensitive to it. You can smell it when the printer is on, and especially on freshly printed-paper.
You may notice wheeziness, coughing, sneezing, etc. People working at copy centers and service bureaus suffer from headaches, and suspect the toner dust. NCR paper ('carbonless' paper) can also cause wheeziness. Good ventilation, drawing air away from the operator would help reduce such Ergonomic Problems.
Good ventilation in a commercial or home office is sometimes hard to achieve, especially in sealed buildings. You can try going outdoors and breathing deeply for 10 minutes every hour or so.
MONITORS and HEADACHES
Radiation is a well-known problem. More radiation is emitted by the back of the monitor than the screen, so you, your co-workers and family members should never sit close to the back of your computer.
Another hazard is the headache produced by the almost invisible 'flicker' of the monitor as the image on screen is refreshed. The solution is to increase the refresh rate of the monitor to at least 75hz. Your monitor driver or control panel should offer you a choice of refresh rates.
To find out if your monitor is flickering, pay attention only to the view in your peripheral vision. If you see a faint flicker, or find yourself getting frequent headaches, increase your refresh rate, reduce the contrast on screen, sit further from the screen, and increase the ambient lighting around your workstation.
Standard fluorescent lights also flicker and can cause headaches or dizziness. If you can, use reflected light from halogens or daylight-spectrum fluorescents - shine the light onto the ceiling or wall, never toward your eyes. Best of all is reflected daylight, but don't allow glare on the screen.
The way you position your head is also important. Your monitor should be placed below the level of your head, and tilted slightly upward, so your gaze is slightly downward, putting your neck in a more natural, relaxed position.
Note: NEVER work past the point of discomfort. Stretch out for ten minutes - right now - save your hands, arms, back and maybe your career.
Chemicals From Computers causing Ergonomic Problems:
Studies have shown that computers themselves are housing some of the most dangerous chemicals on earth. Let’s have a look at a few of them and their effects on mankind.
Lead
Lead is one of the few natural substances that have no use in the human body. At even very low levels, Lead has been shown to cause Ergonomic Problems. The difficulty with Lead is that once it is mined from the earth, there is no known way to destroy or make it harmless.
Lead can damages the central and peripheral nervous systems, blood system and kidneys in humans. Lead accumulates in the environment and has effects on plants, animals and microorganisms.
