Answer to Question #2021 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Consumer Products — Electronic: TV, Computers

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I was moving a 36-inch TV with a friend when we had to place it down on the pavement due to its extreme weight. When it came in contact with the ground, we heard a creaking noise. Later I discovered that the plastic enclosure had separated from the glass screen near the lower left and lower right corners of the TV. There is now about a 3-mm gap between the enclosure and the glass screen. Is the TV still safe to use? Is there the possibility of a higher level of radiation or other emissions that may come from turning the TV on? How far a distance away from the TV is safe?

Radiation emissions from a television screen come from the electrons striking the screen itself, where they produce low-energy (and low-dose) x-ray radiation. In addition, the electron beam is scanned across the screen, so the beam should not be scanned across the gap you mention. If you can see a good picture, it suggests that the electron gun is properly aimed and the electrons are not "shining" on the gap, so there will be no dose to you. Even if the gun is shining on the gap, however, the electrons have only a short range in air and should not give any radiation dose.

Andrew Karam, CHP
University of Rochester

Answer posted on May 29, 2002. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.