[net.med] Pregnancy vs. the VDU

rlw@wxlvax.UUCP (03/01/84)

(From the 2/29 Wall Street Journal)
"A United Airlines worker group using video display terminals had a 50% incidence
of pregnancy problems the past four years, an office workers' union said.  That
compares with a 15% rate for the general population, the union said."

(The detailed story says that the figures have been referred to the Center for
Disease Control in Atlanta.)

P.S. When did CRT become VDU (or VDT)?

--dick W.

pc@hplabsb.UUCP (Patricia Collins) (03/05/84)

	Last year when I was pregnant and spending my days in from of my
HP2621, I had our library do a very thorough search on papers about CRT/VDT
problems.  The only conclusion I could come to was this: there is nothing
electro-magnetic in a NORMAL terminal than could cause problems.  HOWEVER,
no pregnant woman should sit in one position all day long, especially doing
a tedious, repetitious job.  I would place all data entry jobs in this
category.  The new contour chairs for working at terminals might be especially
good for pregnant women (They open up one's midsection).

	I've heard more substantial evidence against flourescent lighting
than against VDTs.  Nevertheless, I would respect any woman's desire to be
reassigned to a non-terminal job (double entendre intended).

BTW: My little one was born a perfect "10" (APGAR), and has been very healthy
and physically agile during his first year.

						Patricia Collins
						hplabs