How to Lower the Radiation From a Plasma TV
By Richard Kalinowski
X-ray radiation is the most dangerous type of radiation emitted from televisions and computer screens. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, flat-screen televisions do not produce this type of radiation, while older CRT televisions are known to produce faint quantities of X-ray radiation. Because of this fact, plasma TVs are supposed to be safer than CRT televisions. If you're a cautious consumer, you may still be concerned about plasma screen radiation. Even if the screen does not emit X-rays, all types of light, including the visible light spectrum, are radioactive by definition. While most light radiation is harmless, it never hurts to be careful when watching TV.
Step 1
Turn down the brightness settings on your plasma screen TV. By reducing the amount of light emitted by your plasma screen, you inherently reduce radiation levels. Many televisions let you adjust brightness levels using the remote.
Step 2
Place a UV-blocking film over your screen. While plasma TVs do not produce x-rays, they do emit very small amounts of UV radiation. UV radiation increases a person's risk for skin cancer. Plasma TVs emit such miniscule levels of UV radiation that it probably won't harm you, but you can use UV-blocking sheets if you are concerned.
Step 3
Wear UV-blocking sunscreen to further reduce UV radiation while you watch television.
Step 4
Sit farther away from the television and watch television less frequently. While brightness control and UV protection help reduce the radiation from the screen, radiation cannot be completely removed from a plasma screen's display. The only way to guarantee minimal exposure is to distance yourself from the screen and limit TV time, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency for more harmful CRT televisions.
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Writer Bio
Richard Kalinowski began writing professionally in 2006. He also works as a website programmer and graphic designer for several clients. Kalinowski holds a Master of Fine Arts from Goddard College and a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.