EMF & RF Shielding?

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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 PowerMac 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 5:52 AM

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Answer 1

Phil Hansen Author

Level 1

88 points

Jun 19, 2008 7:18 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

Ken,

"I'm sure all big name PC brands have taken the appropriate steps for shielding on computer cases."

I'm not so sure -- look at all the controversy about cell phones. What do you think they've done to protect the public?

How 'bout transfats, MSG, tobacco, medications, etc. Everyone is in there for the money.

Regards, Phil
Macintosh b'Gosh

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Answer 2

Jun 19, 2008 6:29 AM in response to Phil Hansen

I think the +cheese grater+ holes on the Mac Pro and Power Mac G5 are a matter of "artistic" design. I'll bet for the microwave oven, the holes allow you to look in while it prevents the microwaves from getting out. The wavelength probably determines the allowable size of the holes. And computers are not devices that are specifically designed to generate high-power microwaves. 🙂

I'm sure all big name PC brands have taken the appropriate steps for shielding on computer cases.

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Answer 3

Jun 19, 2008 9:02 AM in response to Phil Hansen

Hi Phil Hansen-

Any electromagnetic device has the potential to be an RF transmitter. As such, when a manufacturer builds a device such as the Power Mac, the containment of such radiation is important in order to keep the device from interfering with other devices.

Although the holes, or lack of metal, are probably to allow for proper cooling of the works, no doubt some consideration was given to how the lack of metal would affect RF radiation. As well as letting in air the metal has to some degree to control the emission of spurious radio signals.

In theory anyway.

However, there is plenty of RF in the form of BlueTooth and WiFi and cellular phone use all over the place. If you really want to know your actual exposure,, try a Google search for some sort of wearable RF measurement device.

Luck-

-DP

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Answer 4

Jun 19, 2008 8:27 AM in response to Phil Hansen

In any case, to answer your question, I do not think the grating design on Apple's +big iron+ is specifically designed to reduce electromagnetic emissions from the computer.

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