Six Precautions to Protect Against Computer Hazards
The negative impacts of computers on human physiology and psychology are increasingly drawing public attention. How can we reduce these harms?
Enhance self-care awareness: Take appropriate breaks during work intervals. Generally, computer operators should rest for about 10 minutes after working continuously for one hour. It is best to go outside the workspace to move arms, legs, and torso. Regular physical exercise should also be strengthened to improve physical fitness.
Pay attention to the work environment: Lighting in the computer room should be moderate—not too bright or too dim—avoiding direct light shining on the monitor screen, which may cause glare. The workspace should remain well-ventilated and dry to allow harmful gases to dissipate quickly. Use non-impact printers as much as possible to reduce noise.
Observe correct operating posture: Position the center of the computer screen at the same horizontal level as the operator’s chest. Preferably use an adjustable-height chair. When seated, ensure sufficient space for both feet; avoid crossing legs to prevent impaired blood circulation.
Protect your eyesight: Avoid prolonged continuous computer use and take regular breaks. Maintain an optimal posture: keep a distance of 40–50 cm between eyes and screen, with both eyes looking straight ahead or slightly downward. This helps relax neck muscles and minimizes eye exposure area.
Supplement nutrition appropriately: Prolonged time spent in front of a screen depletes retinal rhodopsin, which is primarily synthesized from vitamin A. Therefore, computer users should consume more carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts, tofu, red dates, oranges, milk, eggs, animal liver, lean meat, etc., to replenish vitamins A and protein in the body. Drinking more tea is also beneficial, as tea polyphenols and other active substances in tea help absorb and resist radioactive substances.
Keep skin clean: The surface of computer screens carries significant static electricity, attracting dust that can settle on exposed facial and hand skin. Over time, this may lead to rashes, pigmentation, or even skin lesions. Yang Kaiyan, Publicity Department, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Provincial Vocational Medical College