EMF & RF Shielding?

Question

Level 1

88 points

EMF & RF Shielding?

Guys,

Ok, here's one for you real techies. I've been reading about the effects of EMF & RF on the body which among other things include cancer. There's no conclusive evidence but I've changed to a flat screen monitor because I believe it to be free of this harmful radiation. However, the computers themselves are said to emit the same radiation.

I also notice that the doors on microwave ovens are provided with see through panels that are comprised of tiny holes which I'm told are to prevent the escape of radiation.

Now, my question is this: Is it a coincidence that the Mac Pro and the preceding towers are inclosed in a case that has similar looking shielding material on the front and back or is it there for the purpose of protecting the user? If it is shielding it could be a marketing plus for Apple -- if they want to admit there is any radiation at all.

Regards, Phil
Macintosh b'Gosh

PowerMac G5 Dual 2.5 GHz, Mac OS X (10.5.3), 1.75 Gb Ram, Internal 200 Gb and 160 Gb, External 250 Gb and 500 Gb..

Posted on Jun 19, 2008 5:46 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 19, 2008 6:03 AM in response to Phil Hansen

Computers do generate signals in the same frequency range as microwave ovens, but at much lower power. They would be safe without any metal shielding, but might interfere with other RF devices, such as wireless phones or aircraft navigation systems. There are strict regulations for RF emission from household devices. Even the earlier Mac towers with plastic cases had metal a metal lining beneath the plastic. Starting with the G5 towers, Apple has paid a lot more attention to reducing the sound from its computers by moving more air, at a lower speed, through the case, thus the large area of perforated metal. Perforated metal blocks the RF radiation as well as solid metal. For a microwave oven, the holes allow you to watch the cooking. For a computer, they allow for cooling air flow.

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Answer 2

direwolf8

Level 4

1,286 points

Jun 27, 2008 2:06 PM in response to Phil Hansen

Did you read it in the National Enquirer?

EMF and RF are all over and pass through your body continuously. Every radio and TV broadcast station sends far more RF than your computer, and there's a lot of EMF just from the power substations. The microwave oven is dangerous not just because of the EMF or RF levels, but because of the frequency. You could stick your head in a computer without causing brain damage, but I wouldn't recommend doing it with a microwave oven.

If you're really concerned, you should buy a faraday cage suit and live in it.

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Answer 3

flommer

Level 2

170 points

Jun 27, 2008 3:49 PM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

Keep in mind, also, that the shielding is there to prevent unwanted signals from entering the computer and interfering with it's operation. Those millions of transisters on a dime of silicon could be upset by a bunch of rogue electron/photon wave/particles bouncing around...

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Answer 4

barshnik

Level 1

85 points

Jun 27, 2008 6:17 PM in response to Phil Hansen

Part of the UL testing (as well as similar European and Asian testing agencies) have strict guidelines for RF emission. The militaries of the world use 'hardened' computers to both keep any RF from escaping (for security reasons) and EMF from getting in (nuclear explosions.)

Modern LCD monitors emit almost no RF compared to CRT's of yesteryear - the newer LED backlit models emit almost nothing.

You will receive more RF from using a cell phone for minutes/day than from sitting near any UL approved computer for months on end.

John F

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Answer 5

samuel1

Level 2

150 points

Jun 27, 2008 10:50 PM in response to barshnik

You've got much bigger things to worry about then radiation from your computer. Your constantly being pounded with FM and AM radio, your neighbors wireless signals, cell phone carrier waves, wireless broadband waves from every cell phone company, trust me the signals coming from your mac is no where NEAR any of these things, and is totally inconsequential.

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Answer 6

samuel1

Level 2

150 points

Jun 27, 2008 10:52 PM in response to barshnik

You've got much bigger things to worry about then radiation from your computer. Your constantly being pounded with FM and AM radio, your neighbors wireless signals, cell phone carrier waves, wireless broadband waves from every cell phone company, trust me the signals coming from your mac is no where NEAR any of these things, and is totally inconsequential.

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Answer 7

samuel1

Level 2

150 points

Jun 27, 2008 10:52 PM in response to barshnik

You've got much bigger things to worry about then radiation from your computer. Your constantly being pounded with FM and AM radio, your neighbors wireless signals, cell phone carrier waves, wireless broadband waves from every cell phone company, trust me the signals coming from your mac is no where NEAR any of these things, and is totally inconsequential.

Reply