The Farther the better-The harmful side of Digital Radiations
The development of sophisticated and concise devices has made our contact with the digital world closer and frequent. With the hustle culture and the urge to be online 24/7, the prevalence of laptops and tablets has become more common than ever. According to a recent survey in 2024, on an average Indians spend at least 5 hours working on laptops or tablets every day. While PCs and laptops have become pivotal in our work and academic life. Honestly, it is good. At least laptops are better than mobile phones. There are some facts about these devices that may not seem very appealing to our immune systems.
It is a known fact that all electronic devices emit some amount of electrical radiation. Prolonged exposure to which, can lead to some form of harm. A friend of mine said, “That’s what my grandma used to say”. Of course, over exposure to any device can have some consequences. But how do we battle this when we are constantly on the go and online.
Why is this a Bigger Problem?
According to studies, radiation exposure can cause headaches, poor sleep quality, dry eye syndrome, and difficulty concentrating. A medical report has found that placing devices like laptops next to the skin for extended periods of time can lead to an unusual-looking rash caused by long-term heat exposure. Also known as ‘erythema ab igne’, this skin condition may cause skin discolouration, itching and burning sensations. Though it is not much of a serious issue but has been associated with cancer. Gadgets and equipment such as laptops, cell phones, and others can also affect the human DNA and chromosomal structure.
Apart from the general health concerns, using devices while they are placed on your lap, or stomach can induce poor working posture, long time usage should generally be avoided. So when your peers and parents ask you to sit straight, listen to them!
Let us keep the general health concerns aside; these EMF radiations are fatal to ones reproductive health as well. So it can become a generational problem, if not controlled.
Prolonged laptop use can affect women’s fertility and ability to reproduce. The radiations can also cause health issues on the fetus they’re carrying. When these babies are born, they may show signs of developmental problems.
I will just use a Pillow then
While some may argue that these radiations could simply be avoided by using a cloth or a pillow below the device. This idea seems very easy right? Or in Indian terms cheap, suitable and sustainable. (sasta, sundar and tikau) But leaving your laptop on fabrics, pillows and even carpeting can prevent your computer from venting heat properly. Heat trapped inside the laptop can cause damage to internal components hard drive, video card and battery. If the laptop is exposed to high temperatures for too long, you could end up having to replace damaged components. So nobody certainly wants a financial strain with damaged devices. Source
What should be done?
The ideal solution is to create a healthy barrier between the devices and yourself. This barrier should be permeable enough to let the heat escape but strong enough to protect you.
1. Create Healthy Barriers: Use your laptops and other devices while they are placed on a table and do not maintain a direct contact with yourself. This will not only enhance your posture but also will be less stressful for your vision.
2. Regular Updates: Make sure to update your devices from time to time as significantly old devices have a tendency to get heated up quickly and may cause impairments in functioning.
3. Be Patient: Avoid using your devices while they are connected to a charger. My sound primitive but while charging the devices tend to elicit much more radiations than the usual. So a little patience may help you go a long way.
My lifestyle does not allow me to do this
If you are someone who needs to work on the go and cannot really have an access to a desk or any other surface, then how about you try using a portable surface? The Spyren Lapsafe Pad is an excellent novel solution to this trouble. This sleek and modest looking pad has more features apart from its looks.
The Spyren lap pad provides up to 99% electromagnetic radiation reduction and up to 80% heat dissipation. Taking away the burden to cope up from your immune system, this pad significantly improves your digital and physical wellbeing. Specially, if you are in a profession that requires long working hours on screen then this product ensures that your health does not take a backseat while you are working.
There can be speculations that this can cause some discomfort to your posture or the working style. Nevertheless, the Spyren pad ensures no interruption in work speed and comfort with its advanced faraday fabric a form of vegan leather. It is sustainable and cruelty free. So you will not be generating any unnecessary e waste.
The product can suffice for any form of device. From laptops to tablets or even mobile phones if you frequently use them on your lap. It is wide enough for up to 16 inches of laptops and easily portable as it can fit in your laptop or office bags. As a student this is great for me as I can easily carry this around to work on my assignments. Especially during the late night deadlines when the laptop is shifted to bed and I am under great work stress.
This is a great digital wellbeing accessory worth investing in. While sharing her experience of the Lapsafe pad; a user said, “I love its sleek design and unbeatable comfort, there no longer a need to unplug my devices continuously to let it cool down. I feel so assured of my protection from the EMF radiation”.
While we don’t hesitate to spend thousands on medicines, health checkups and gym memberships. Our digital wellbeing is equally important today and investing in digital safety can reap us long term health and financial benefits. This Lapsafe pad is a great example of creating a balance and sepration between the digital and real life.
Buy the product here and enjoy 5% off using the code RA505.
-Chandrani and Rijul
