Hi Chelan,

Yes, some people do get reaction to using computers. CRT's seem to cause more problems than LCD's, but some people get problems from those aswell, although I am not sure what.

The LCD's have a mercury backlight and generally give off about 4mg of mercury a year. Most of them have lead-soldering aswell. Also the screens can be very bright, but are generally thought to be easier on the eye than CRT's.

From what I have read, and I'm just learning, the problem with CRT's is the high amount of lead in them - about 6 pounds. Also they emit radiation, more as they age, and other toxins aswell as sometimes a high electromagnetic field. The screens also flicker (too quick for the eye to see) which can cause headaches and eye strain for some people.

I think it's similar situation to the fillings - some people are more affected than others and some people not at all. Some people are sensitive to electromagnetic fields.

Also the motherboards can contain lead-soldering aswell. Newer computers are now not having this as much, but always check.

I'm hoping that the lead-free LCD monitor I'm getting will be less toxic than the CRT one I have. It's especially worrying to me as I sleep in the same room as my PC. I know that my health problems are not all due to the PC as I had them ten years before I ever had a PC, but I don't think they are good for me.

I'd imagine that those of us who are sensitive to amalgam because of mercury and metals should try and get the best possible monitor that we can afford that is at least lead-free and TOC'03 compatible. I've also opted for a plastic casing rather than metal, which may or may not make a difference.

I think drinking plenty of water when on the PC can help, maybe getting an air purifier (I haven't got one, but it might help those extra sensitive to electrofields and metals) also taking alginate which can help excrete the toxins.

This is a subject of concern to me as I spend a lot of time on the computer. I never really thought about all this until lately.