Computers, health, & the environment glossary. (Compute's Getting Started with Computers, Health, & the Environment) (Glossary)

Carpal tunnel syndrome. A painful injury of the hand and wrist caused by repetitive hand motions such as using a keyboard or mouse.

CFCs. Short for Chlorofluorocarbons. Chemicals used in air conditioners, refrigerators, and the production of computer chips. When released into the air, CFCs destroy atmospheric ozone.

ELF. Short for Extreme Low-Frequency electromagnetic radiation. Emitted by power lines, computer monitors, and other electrical and electronic equipment. ELF is suspected of causing long-term health problems among computer users.

ergonomics. The study of people in relation to their working environment. In the ergonomic computing workplace, PCs, peripherals, office furniture, and lighting all promote comfortable, efficient, and safe work.

greenhouse effect. The theory that increased levels of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere lead to higher temperatures on earth. Levels of carbon dioxide are rising due to human industrial activity.

Kilowatt/hour. A measure of electricity use that is equal to the amount of energy consumed by a 100-watt bulb operating for ten hours, or the average PC operating for about five hours.

ni-cad. Short for nickel-cadmium battery. A popular type of rechargeable battery that contains cadmium. Often used in portable PCs.

NiMH. Short for Nickel-Metal-Hydride. A type of battery used in newer notebooks PCs. NiMH batteries don't contain toxic heavy metals and are safer for the environment.

ozone depletion. The destruction of the earth's atmospheric ozone layer by interaction with manmade chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons. See CFCs.

reproductive toxins. Chemicals that cause babies in the womb to become malformed. Exposure to a reproductive toxins can result in miscarriages, stillbirths, and children born with birth defects. Several reproductive toxins are used in PC chip-manufacturing.

RSI. Short for Repetitive Strain Injury. Any strain disorder caused by repetitive motion. See carpal tunnel syndrome.

VDT. Short for Video Display Terminal. A term including PC monitors, mainframe terminals, and other workstations that include cathode-ray tube displays.