Author(s)

D. Čavka, D. Poljak, A. Peratta & C. Brebbia

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to investigate the interaction between the electrostatic field of a Video Display Unit (VDU) and the human head located in front of it. Special attention is given to the field distribution over the surface of the face. The boundary element model for assessment of the electrostatic field, by solving Laplace equation for the electric potential, is implemented. The electrostatic field is calculated for two different faces and then compared to the results obtained by the other numerical methods. The advantage of the presented numerical method is a high resolution and a higher accuracy. The methodology development is equally applicable to other industrial electrostatic field problems. Keywords: boundary element method, electrostatic field, human exposure, video display units. 1 Introduction Video display units (VDUs) based on the cathode ray tube (CRT) are sources of several types of radiation e.g. X ray radiation, optical radiation (ultraviolet radiation, visible light and infrared radiation) electromagnetic radiation and electrostatic field. Along with the expanding use of VDUs some concerns about the effect of these fields on the human health have appeared. Over the years of work it has been noticed and proven that X ray radiation, optical radiation, high (~MHz) and low (~kHz) frequency electromagnetic fields are well below technical guidelines [1, 2] hence, considered not harmful for the health. On the other hand, extremely low frequency (ELF) (~Hz) electromagnetic and electrostatic fields might be associated with some skin diseases, suppression of melatonin, or induction of phosphenes in the eyes, despite the fact that there is no

Keywords

boundary element method, electrostatic field, human exposure, video display units.