Male Infertility

• A study conducted by an associate professor of urology, Dr. Yefim Sheynkin of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, looked at the effects of using laptop computers on male infertility. This study, involving 29 males aged 21 to 35, concluded that the most prevalent danger to the reproductive organs of a male from regular use of a laptop was from the heat that these devices generate. This conclusion led to some disagreement from other urology experts, yet the foundations of the conclusion are based on proven scientific information. Increased heat levels can have a negative effect on male sperm count, supported by a 1999 U.S. study concluding that male sperm count was lower overall in summer months.
  
  

Radiation

• Any computing device emits a certain amount of radiation. The type of radiation emitted is the crux of this issue. Laptop computers, and computers in general, create extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation, which is readily available in many environments. Televisions, hair dryers and other types of electric devices also emit ELF radiation, and these have not been found to produce any substantial negative health effects in scientific studies. The the type of radiation that does present a serious risk of ill health is the type that ionizes the electrons of an atom. These higher levels of radiation have been found to cause DNA damage.
  
  

Ergonomics

• One of the biggest health concerns over regular use of laptop computers is expressed by chiropractors and ergonomic experts. Posture and wrist position are the issues being researched related to the use of laptops. The main concern is the placement of the computer. According to a website sponsored by the University of Melbourne in Australia, the placement of a laptop should ensure that the top of the screen is at eye level to avoid hunching of the back and shoulders. The static nature of the mouse on a laptop can also cause unnatural wrist movements that can contribute to conditions such as carpal-tunnel syndrome.
  
  

Laptop Weight

• There is some concern over the weight of laptops. Many of these devices do have a significant amount of weight, and there may be a certain factor of risk in carrying any object of 10 pounds or more on a regular basis. The best approach to avoiding any physical problems from carrying a laptop, or any item of significant weight, is proper lifting and positioning of the item during transport. Proper lifting always includes the use of the legs in the process, and carrying an item close to the top center of the body is the ideal way to transport an item of significant weight.
  
  

Vision Concerns

• Regular computer use has always involved the effect of staring at a screen and vision problems. It is commonly understood that eye strain will result from staring too long at any object, whether it is a laptop screen or a television screen. Optometrists in general recommend taking breaks from any activity that involves looking at a screen of any kind for long periods of time.