Answer to Question #4395 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Power lines, magnets, computers, airport screening, cell phones, radar

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

Q

I'm about seven weeks pregnant and I'm really concerned about using a laptop. Sometimes I keep it on my knees and I do not know if it's safe for my baby. I have read a lot about monitors, but I cannot find anything about laptop as a whole device.

A

There really should be no radiation issues associated with you using your laptop or any computer during your pregnancy assuming you have your laptop sitting on your lap (your thighs) and not your abdomen. Laptops do emit a fair amount of heat so not putting them on your abdomen is prudent. Since consumer protection laws have been passed limiting the amounts and types of radiation emissions from these devices (such as electromagnetic or ionizing [x rays] radiation), they can safely be used during pregnancy.

Kelly Classic
Certified Medical Health Physicist

Answer posted on 1 April 2005. The information posted on this web page is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may affect the applicability of concepts, 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. To the best of our knowledge, answers are correct at the time they are posted. Be advised that over time, requirements could change, new data could be made available, and Internet links could change, affecting the correctness of the answers. Answers are the professional opinions of the expert responding to each question; they do not necessarily represent the position of the Health Physics Society.