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From: henry@utzoo.UUCP (Henry Spencer)
Newsgroups: net.followup,net.misc,net.kids,net.bio
Subject: Re: X-rays from CRTs and Monitors - Info Wanted
Message-ID: <3872@utzoo.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 18-May-84 15:53:05 EDT
Article-I.D.: utzoo.3872
Posted: Fri May 18 15:53:05 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 18-May-84 15:53:05 EDT
References: <345@astrovax.UUCP>
Organization: U of Toronto Zoology
Lines: 24

The following quote is of interest:

	Measurements performed under normal VDT [video display terminal]
	operating conditions by the FDA and NIOSH have *never* shown X-ray
	emissions significantly above the natural background radiation to
	which we are all exposed.  In order for our laboratories to produce
	any higher levels of X-radiation, they had to resort to extreme
	conditions, including maximum misadjustments of both user and
	service controls, excessive line voltages, and intentionally induced
	component failure -- conditions which in some cases led to illegible
	video displays and permanent damage to the units.

	Based on our measurements of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation,
	we do not believe that VDTs should pose a radiation risk to those
	who operate them.

This is from Dr. John C. Villforth, Director of the Bureau of Radiological
Health at the FDA, writing in Byte (page 37, Dec 1982 issue).  The
emphasis on "never" is in the original.  Villforth is known for persistent
agitation for better radiation protection for dental X-ray machines, so he
can hardly be considered a "see no evil" type.
-- 
				Henry Spencer @ U of Toronto Zoology
				{allegra,ihnp4,linus,decvax}!utzoo!henry