VDTs: Field levels, epidemiology, and laboratory studies

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1991 · Health Physics; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199107000-00005· OSTI ID:5387915

Kavet, R; Tell, R A ^[1]

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1. Richard Tell Associates, Inc., Las Vegas, NV (USA)

As the use of video display terminals (VDTs) has expanded, questions have been raised as to whether working at a VDT affects the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. A particular focus for these questions has been the very low frequency (VLF) magnetic field produced by a VDT's horizontal deflection coil. VDTs also produce VLF electric fields, extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields, and static electric fields, Ten studies of pregnancy outcome in VDT operators have been conducted in six countries, and with one exception, none has concluded that magnetic fields from VDTs may predispose pregnant operators to spontaneous abortion or congenital malformation. The epidemiologic studies conducted thus far do not provide a basis for concluding that VDT work and adverse pregnancy outcome are associated. Studies of fetal resorptions and malformations in rodents exposed to VLF magnetic fields have produced inconsistent findings. Two laboratories in Sweden that studied mice have reported positive results, one laboratory showing field-related malformations (but not resorptions) and the other showing field-related resorptions (but not malformations). Two Canadian laboratories have reported negative results in rats and mice. Studies of avian embryos have also yielded inconsistent results, but lacking a maternal-fetal placental interface, avian embryos are a questionable model for evaluating human reproductive risks. Finally, VLF electric and magnetic fields measured at the operator position are in compliance with field strength standards and guidelines that have been established around the world. 55 refs.

• OSTI ID: 5387915
• Journal Information: Health Physics; (United States), Vol. 61:1; ISSN 0017-9078
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
TERATOGENESIS
FETUSES
SENSITIVITY
EPIDEMIOLOGY
MICE
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PREGNANCY
RATS
REVIEWS
RISK ASSESSMENT
ANIMALS
DOCUMENT TYPES
MAMMALS
RODENTS
VERTEBRATES
560400* - Other Environmental Pollutant Effects