Do CRT Televisions Give Off Radiation?

We are constantly exposed to background radiation from natural sources like the earth and outer space. We are also exposed to man-made radiation from electronic products like x-ray machines, microwave ovens, and televisions. While some radiation exposure from devices like x-ray machines is intentional and beneficial, radiation from televisions is unintentional and not necessary for the TV to function.

Many older televisions use cathode ray tubes (CRTs). CRTs use high voltage to accelerate electrons, which can potentially generate x-rays when they strike certain components within the tube. These x-rays could potentially escape the television and pose a health hazard.

Scientists haven’t definitively linked specific health problems to very low doses of radiation exposure over long periods. However, the current scientific consensus is that there is no safe threshold for x-ray exposure, meaning any exposure could potentially be harmful. Therefore, minimizing x-ray emissions from televisions and other electronic devices is crucial. The Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968, now part of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, addresses this concern.

Most televisions do not emit measurable radiation levels, and there are no documented cases of human injury caused by television radiation. Still, regulations are in place to ensure safety.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets and enforces safety standards for electronic product radiation. In 1969, the FDA established a standard limiting x-ray emissions from televisions to 0.5 milliroentgens per hour (mR/hr). This standard applies to all televisions manufactured after January 15, 1970. The testing process uses worst-case scenarios to guarantee safety under normal operating conditions.

Television manufacturers must certify their products meet the FDA’s radiation safety standards. They must submit reports detailing their quality control procedures, testing programs, and design features that ensure compliance with the 0.5 mR/hr limit. They must also maintain records of test data and submit annual reports to the FDA. The FDA can request data and test results to verify compliance. Imported televisions that don’t meet the standard are barred from entry into the United States.

Modern CRT televisions and computer monitors employ safety features like electronic hold-down circuits and regulated power supplies that effectively eliminate the risk of x-radiation. The FDA has not found any televisions violating the standard under normal home use conditions.

Furthermore, newer flat-panel televisions using Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) or Plasma displays do not emit x-rays. These technologies are not subject to the FDA standard because they pose no x-radiation health risk. Therefore, concerns about radiation exposure primarily apply to older CRT televisions.