5 Harmful Effects Of Laptop Radiation In Men

Have you ever noticed that ‘laptop’ has the word ‘lap’ in it? Did you just catch it now? So, are you concluding that there is no problem if you use it on your lap? You’re wrong here! There have been several studies proclaiming that prolonged and extensive contact with laptop heat can induce a condition called toasted skin syndrome (TSS). ¹  Getting curious? 

Also known as ‘erythema ab igne’, this skin condition may cause skin discolouration, itching and burning sensations. It occurs when your skin is repeatedly exposed to a heat source over an extended time, but the heat is not intense enough to burn your skin. Though it is not much of a serious issue but has been associated with cancer. ² Having said that, you can imagine how bad these laptop radiations can be!

In this blog, we will discuss the harmful effects of laptop radiation in men and most importantly, some quick tips to reduce the same. But, before we delve deeper into its side effects, let us first talk about ‘laptop radiation’ in brief. 

Laptop Radiation: An Overview

Laptops are one of the primary sources of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) radiation - a collective name for three different forms of radiation (electric, magnetic, and radio frequency). Surprised? When your laptop is linked to your WiFi network, it releases all these forms of radiation. As you move away from these devices, the EMF radiation levels that your body is exposed to, also decline.¹ 

Harmful Effects Of Laptop Radiation In Men

Laptops are widely and frequently used devices owing to their portable nature. This makes the damage caused by laptop radiation a major concern among all its users. Sometimes, the side effects of laptop use aren’t very evident. However, they start showing up eventually, another reason you must be very careful while using these 21st-century devices. 

Let us go through the 5 major side effects of laptop radiation in men that you should be aware of.

• Affects Normal Cell Functioning

The more time you spend in front of your laptop, the more radiation you absorb. This disrupts the natural functioning of tissues and cells because they absorb electromagnetic energy. It can also affect the eyes and other vital organs of your body. ³

Frequent laptop use also hinders the natural process where existing cells die and new one's form. Due to excessive screen exposure, new cells form without old ones getting destroyed. This could result in the formation of tumours within the body. ³  

• Causes DNA Fragmentation

Numerous studies suggest that EMF exposure may also affect a person’s DNA. Gadgets and equipment such as laptops, cellphones, and others can affect the human DNA and chromosomal structure. DNA damage can lead to changes in cellular functions and cell death, thereby increasing the risk of developing cancer.^{1 4}

• May Burn Your Skin

When you use a laptop to its utmost capacity, it will fail to cool itself properly. Sometimes, they become so hot that they could burn your skin, a condition known as "toasted skin syndrome". It is an acquired skin condition induced by prolonged exposure to mild heat or infrared radiation. Furthermore, placing your laptop on your lap can further impact the pigmentation of your skin.^{1 5}

• Hampers Sleep Quality 

Another harmful effect of laptop radiation in men is troubled sleep. According to studies, radiation exposure can cause headaches, poor sleep quality, dry eye syndrome, and difficulty concentrating. To reiterate this, we must minimise the usage of cell phones and laptops in our daily lives.⁶ 

• Affects Male Fertility

This may sound surprising, but yes, heat and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by laptops can impact your sperm quality. Studies reveal that using a laptop linked to WiFi and placing it on your lap for an extended time can lower sperm effectiveness by 25%. ¹

Moreover, the heat emitted by a laptop may increase the temperature of the scrotum (the skin sac that protects the testicles). The scrotum's primary function is to keep the temperature of the testicles (sperm-producing organ) lower than the body temperature. When the temperature of the testicles rises, it affects the quality of the sperm.  ^{7 8}

Therefore, it’s important to steer clear of laptop radiation as much as possible and avoid placing it on your lap while working. You may not have realised but all this can result in male infertility. Moreover, several studies reveal that males have about 30-40% of the overall contribution to infertility in couples.⁹

We know that planning for a family is an exciting yet crucial step and that’s why it’s better to get clear insights on your reproductive health. How? Get a semen analysis test! Why? It gives you a detailed perspective on the status of your sperm's health. Better, no?

5 Tips To Reduce Laptop Radiation Exposure

Go Wireless

Whenever possible, use wired devices (like keyboards, mouse, and headphones) over wireless ones. Wired gadgets do not generate radiation, making them safer to use.¹ 

• Take Breaks

If you work online, take frequent breaks to avoid sitting in front of your computer for prolonged hours.¹ 

• Keep A Distance

Studies reveal that electromagnetic waves from laptops can adversely affect the human body physically and mentally. Therefore, it's important to maintain a proper distance while using your laptop to prevent exposure to harmful electromagnetic waves.³ 

• Use Radiation Protection Shield

We can’t stop working on these devices, but we can take precautionary measures that protect us from continuous exposure. Laptop EMF radiation and heat shields help prevent laptop radiation from passing on to your body. ¹

• Avoid Direct Physical Contact

Instead of placing your laptop on the lap or thighs, use a wooden stand or a portable table. Although it doesn’t protect against harmful radiation, it safeguards you from the heat generated from the laptop.  

Final Note! 

Did you know that 60-80 million couples worldwide struggle with infertility, out of which 25% of cases belong to India alone? 10 Male reproductive health has, thus, turned into a global concern that is getting worse as a result of changing lifestyles, low levels of education, and a lack of social awareness. ^{11 12}

We’re not against the use of technology but we’re simply spreading awareness of the harmful effects of laptop radiation in men. It’s our life, our health and who can better care for it, but us? Wondering how? First, start with taking a semen analysis test (yes, just like we discussed above in the blog). A semen analysis test is the best way to gain insights into your sperm health so that you can take timely, actionable steps depending on those insights.

That’s where LifeCell can help you. SpermScore is a semen analysis test that allows you to get a comprehensive sperm analysis (covers 10 sperm health parameters and 14 sperm health conditions) in just one go. This at-home self-collection test kit is the most convenient, discreet way to test your sperm health as it can be done from the comfort of your home. It lets you know about your reproductive health and helps determine any underlying condition that could affect your fertility. 

Take charge of your reproductive health today!

FAQs

1. What Increases Scrotal Temperature In Men?

The normal basal temperature of the scrotal is 33 degrees Celsius. ¹³ Factors like hot baths, sauna users, occupations associated with high-temperature exposure, and wearing tight bottoms are a few factors that cause an increase in scrotal temperature. ⁶

2. What Are The Causes Of Male Infertility?

Low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, blockages that prevent sperm delivery, chronic health problems, and lifestyle choices are a few factors that can lead to male infertility. ¹⁴

3. How Can I Check The Sperm Count At Home?

LifeCell’s SpermScore is an at-home test kit that allows you to track the ‘A-Z’ of your sperm. This test checks for 10 sperm parameters & 14 sperm conditions.