Health problems caused by computer usage are on the rise, the Consumers' Foundation said yesterday, as it encouraged computer users to pay more attention to their posture and time in front of the screen.
According to foundation chairman Jason Lee (李鳳翱), most office workers face their computers throughout the work day, and continue to use their computers for recreational reasons after work.
Staring at the screen too long causes the eye to blink less and therefore the fluids on the surface of the eyeball evaporate faster, Lee said. In the long run, a dry eyes symptom and chronic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the clear membrane that lines the eye) may appear, he said.
Lee also said that even though reading a book for long periods of time may cause a drop in vision, staring at a computer screen strains the eye even more since screens often flash, and lighting around the computer reflects on the screen, hurting the eyes.
Hsu Wan-sheng (許萬盛), coordinator of the foundation's medical dispute committee, said that computer users often stay in the same position for too many hours at a time, causing a stiff neck and stiff shoulders.
Using a mouse that is not of adequate size may cause wrist and finger injuries as well, Hsu said.
The computer screen should be at least 45cm away from the eyes and arms should be at a 90 degree angle when typing, Hsu said. Chairs should be adjustable and the screen should not be too high, because it strains the eyes and the neck to look up, he said.
The foundation advises computer users to rest the eyes every hour and to stand up and stretch.
Manufacturers should provide instruction manuals on the correct usage of computers, the foundation said.
According to Article 7 of the Consumer Protection Law (消費者保護法), when a product may cause possible danger to consumers, a warning label must be apparent or else instructions must be provided to ensure safe usage.
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