• Electromagnetic radiation can affect the biorhythms of the body, sleep and menstrual cycles, intestinal functioning (either diarrhea or constipation) and nervous system functioning (headaches, dizziness, lack of concentration, behaviour changes, depression, memory loss).

All these symptoms can be caused by many other things. Notice if your symptoms diminish or change after a time spent away from the computer. Get a complete check-up from your doctor to see if you have a medical cause for your symptoms.

• Every computer emits different levels of radiation. So if you suspect a problem, especially with an older computer, your computer should be tested individually. However, standards have not yet been established for ELF or VLF exposure.

Dr. Rosalie Bertell suggests that you outline the electromagnetic fields for yourself using a hearing aid which emits a high pitched sound when in the field. In this way, you could figure out the best distance to sit from your computer and from any other co-worker's computer near you.

In Ontario, you can obtain a list of companies that do accurate testing from the Ontario Ministry of Labour c/o Radiation Protection Branch, 81 Resources Rd, Weston, ON, M9P 3T4. 416-235-5922, Fax: 416-235-5926.

In her article TRUST YOUR BODY BEFORE THE EXPERTS, Dr. Rosalie Bertell also notes that, "The most sensitive measuring device to detect radiation is a simple plant, the spiderwort. There are spiderworts which have genes for blue and pink flowers. The blue gene is dominant and the flowers are therefore blue. But, radiation knocks out the blue gene and the recessive pink gene comes through. You can actually measure the amount of radiation a spiderwort has received by determining how far it has moved in its switch to pink."

Dr. James DeMeo, in his book THE ORGONE ACCUMULATOR HANDBOOK (available from Natural Energy Works), points out that electric and magnetic fields can be inexpensively detected. Electric fields can be detected through purchasing a cheap AM transistor radio, the kind with a plastic case and no external antenna. You then set the dial above 1600 kilohertz per second. You will hear a slight hissing or background static. These are the electrical fields translating into the crackling static. The magnetic fields can be detected by using a cheap telephone amplifier turned to full volume.

There are a number of devices on the market now that accurately measure electric and magnetic fields. One such device can fit in a pocket and costs $175.00 US. It can be obtained through TRA INSTRUMENTS in Salt Lake City, Utah. 1-800-582-3537. Safe Computing Company also has excellent quality field monitors in the same price range. If you wish to acquire a list of reputable dealers of magnetic field monitors send $2.00 and a self-addressed envelope to Dr. Louis Slesin care of VDT News.

• If you notice a build up of static electricity in front of the screen, buy a good screen that can ground the charges. Proper ventilation of air to remove pollutants and proper humidity of that air is equally important.

The Tesslar Watch is supposed to protect you from such radiation, but its use has not been proven. This device and others like "pulsors" or "cocoons" are available through New Dimensions, 416-488-6330 or 514-426-2590, or Essentia Communications Inc. 613-238-4437.

The AC Field Cancellation System cancels out 75 to 95 percent of electromagnetic fields and costs $500.00 US. It can be obtained through Ed Leeper, Monitor Industries in Boulder, CO. 303-442-3773.

There are many other types of shields and devices on the market. One of the best I have seen is the Eye-Guard Radiation Shield, which apparently reduces the entire electrical magnetic component passing through it to one ten thousandth of the unfiltered level. This shield costs $179.00 U.S. For more information contact Natural Energy Works PO Box 864, El Cerrito, CA. 94530. 510-526-5978.

The NO-RAD radiation screen blocks 99.9 percent of electric radiation and 50 to 90 percent of higher frequency magnetic radiation. It also eliminates glare and static electricity. The NO-RAD ELF PROTECH shield reduces ELF magnetic field emitted by VDTs by 40 to 70 percent. Information is available from NoRad Corporation, 1549 11th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401. 313-345-0800. In western Canada call Ideal Computer Environments, 306-584-2262. In eastern Canada call The Computer Shield Group, 416-971-4242.

• If you are buying a new computer, consider buying the new liquid crystal display terminals. They now have better resolution than the earlier models.