hes@ecsvax.UUCP (Henry Schaffer) (03/21/86)
<>This article is primarily a history of the origin and evolution of the controversy over whether there is any connection between the use of Video Display Terminals and reproductive problems - particularly birth defects. The heading of the article says "Controversy about possible reproductive hazards from the video display terminals is unavoidable when the data are ambiguous and the stakes are high." The data (such as they are) are discussed, with reference given to research on the effects of electrical and magnetic fields. There also is discussion on the statistical interpretation of the appearance of clusters of events. The author of the article concludes that no adverse effect of VDTs on reproduction has been shown, but that the communication between the scientists and laymen has not been handled in a way to effectively avoid anxiety. Read the article - it's relevant and interesting - it's in the March-April 1986 issue of American Scientist (pp. 163-168) by Kenneth R. Foster (who works in Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering.) --henry schaffer