1.16.2013

{laptops not for laps}

since i began blogging three years ago, i have been spending an exorbitant amount of time on my laptop. sometimes three to four hours a night. most times i would have a pillow underneath to elevate it, but i could still feel heat on my legs. i've heard claims of radiation and cancer,
so i wanted to know...
does the heat from my laptop have any negative effects?


answer: yes.

while it is highly unlikely to develop cancer from laptops (especially because it is easily preventable), prolonged and repeated exposure to the heat can cause a mottled, sponge-looking skin discoloration called erythema ab igne, or toasted skin syndrome (google it for images). reported cases say the subjects used their laptops on their laps three to six hours a day for several months. in mild cases, simply staying away from the heat source will help the skin to heal over time, but in severe cases, the skin damage is irreversible.

males can experience lower sperm count and even infertility as a result of repeated exposure to heat in the scrotum area.

keep in mind this 'heat source' can also include:
heating pads
(repeated use for chronic pain)
ovens
(think bakery workers)
portable heaters
(space heaters under your desk)

despite its name, laptops are not meant to be used on your lap. (note that some companies have begun to call theirs notebooks instead of laptops). overall, your laptop is safe to use. take precautions by placing it on a desk or table and sit at least 20 cm away. if you have to place it on your lap, get up and take a break every 15-20 minutes, or place a cushion of at least 6"
on your lap.

source source source
photo: random google search

24 comments:

  1. I never knew this, thanks for sharing!

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  2. oh i like it !!! good post :)

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  3. yes i agree ive read about this and even saw a report. however, there is this device called Laptop sitting pad not sure what is called in other places, but basically its like a portable table-cushion which is comfortable to place under laptop that way you can sit comfortable as though on an actual table. many stores are seeing this...look for laptop pad its amazing. I use it all the time and i feel so very comfortable.

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  4. Thanks for stopping by :))
    Nice post!
    xx

    Johanna, Sweden
    ART FASHION

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  5. very interesting :)

    How about following each other? If yes, please let me know. Have a nice day!
    http://mastylee.blogspot.com/

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  6. this is good to know.. :) i have a laptop cushion right now. :)

    Click me for my NEW BLOG

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  7. useful info!..I never lay my laptop on my lap.. it's always on my bed or a desk or table or something.. but I have friends that complain about the heat when they have it on their legs.. I'll be sure to pass this info to them as well.. thanks for sharing!

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    Replies
    1. thanks...yes, do share the info. scary stuff!

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  8. Oh my gosh! I never even knew that- thanks for sharing
    -Tori
    www.fashiontrendsmore.com

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  9. I actually have heard of this! When my friend told me I was totally freaked out!

    www.trendinginfashion.blogspot.com

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  10. Thank you for this usefull post :)
    I also hate that heat feeling when laptop is on my lap, but I didn't know it can be so severe!

    Would you like to participate giveaway? It's going on my blog right now :)
    nails-and-more.blogspot.com/

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  11. Wow this is so informative! i had no idea that this can happen! thanks for the tip!

    http://sarassweetstyle.blogspot.com/

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  12. this is scary! I am a college student so of course my laptop is my crutch.

    i am so excited to follow your informative little blog! i hope you follow back so we can stay in touch!

    ps come link up your best post from the week on my blog hop! :)

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  13. Lovely Post!

    Kisses!

    http://couturetrend.blogspot.it/

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  14. ha ha yes. Well I don't own a laptop for the very reason that i would take it everywhere with me and spend hours and hours on it because of the convenience of having it on my lap, so i just use a desktop. Nice post.

    Thanks for visiting my blog

    http://forcailini.blogspot.com

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  15. i like this post:) i had some problems with my leg because of putting my laptop ;/ but now is ok:)
    i'm your follower:)

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  16. That is so crazy! Good to know :)

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

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  17. Thank you for this post! I never realized how dangerous it could be, so from now on I will blog in my office whether I like it or not.

    -Vogue&Heels
    vogueandheels.com

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  18. Hey darling,
    Wondering if you want to follow each other? :)
    Please let me know, I'll be happy to follow back right away!
    Yuliconversations.blogspot.com

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  19. This information should be more widely known, thats awful of the companies for not giving more warnings and tips, thanks for the tip!

    A little bit Unique

    x

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  20. Oh that was a great post! thank you for letting us know!

    www.deluxefashionista.com

    ReplyDelete

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hawaii blogger, creative, and live-streamer. lover of dogs, beaches, photography, and my morning coffee.

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