A Survey of X-Radiation From Color T.V. Receivers In The Metropolitan Area of San Juan, Puerto Rico

£•0 SE PREST.--

FUERA y' ■_ A EAiM

COLECCU. y PUERTORRIQ'

A SURVEY OF X-RADIATION FROIV\ COLOR T. V. RECEIVERS INTHE METROPOLI TAN AREA OF

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

'J oE PKE:S'rA

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COLECCION' PUEKTorkujL'lV

O L A T ! 1

^ Commonwealth of Puerto Rico JULY 1970

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

'.o

Radiological Health Program

The mentíonmaterial of commercial producís, theirtosuurce, or theirasuse m reportad herein is not be construed eithconnec ion -jy,plied endorsement of such products by the Common-

wealth^'of Puerto Rico, Department of Heallh, Radiological Health Program.

TiTue

r

A o jíZ-M 1/ ,0 r

ok^/U.

A SURVEY OF X-RADIATION FROM COLOR T.V. RECEIVERS IN

THE METROPOLITAN AREA OF SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

July — 1970

Ernesto Colón Yordán, M.D. Secretary of Hcalth

COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH PROGRAM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Foreword

5

Acknowledgments

7

Photos #1 and #2

8

Introduction

9

Methods and Operation

9

Results

II

Part I

Part II

11

Summary Results of Survey

12

Discussion

13

Conclusions

14

References

I5

Tablas

1q

Appendixes

27

FOREWORD

The following report is the product of a survey carried out by the Radiological Health Program, Department of Health, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, with the cooperation of the School of Public Health of the Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico. It was the main purpose of this survey to determine the magnitude of the x-radiation emission problem from color T.V. sets, in the Metropolitan Area of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Manufacturers, distributors and dealers, as well as the public itself provided us the T.V. sets for the survey. All possible makes and models were accepted.

The results obtained may not be representative of other areas, ñor they indicate any relationship between makes and models and x-ray emission.

We hope that the report wiil be useful for those engaged in the problem of x-radiation emission control.

Víctor A. González. M.D.

Amalia Vélez, Director

Assistant Secretary for

Radiological Health Program

Environmental Health

jíi'"

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Radiological Health Program wishes to express its appreciation for the assistance in preparing this survey: To the Secretary of Health, Dr. Ernesto Colón Yordán, to the Deputy Secretary of Health, Dr. Carlos E. Náter and to the former Assistant

Secretary for Environmental Health, Dr. Angel Alberto Colón, for their cncouragement.

To the Burean of Radiological Health, U.S. Public Health Service,

for permitting us the use of equipment for measuring x-radiation.

To the Schoül of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico for sending us two medical students. Femando Mar tínez Catinchi and Juan J. Lojo Vázquez, to help in the survey.

To all color T.V. distributors in Puerto Rico for their interest and

help in the survey.

To the public itself for their interest and cooperation which made possible our survey.

m

s-.

PrecautĂ­onary measures are explained to children, in the safe distance to be maintalned, priii'

cipally in case of readings above the recommended limita.

8

INTRODUCTION

It is known that color televisión receivers emit x-ray radiation.

The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements rec-

ommends that color televisión sets should not emit x-rays above 0.5 mR/hr at 5 cm. from the surface (1). In December 1969 a Federal regulation was adopted making this Standard mandatory for all new televi sión receivers (see Appendix A).

Various surveys have been conducted in different states disclos-

ing the fact that many color televisión sets were emitting x-radiation above the recommended valué (2, 3, 4).

In an effort to disclose the magnitude of the problem in Puerto Rico, the Radiological Health Program of the Health Department conduct ed a similar survey in the Metropolitan Area of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was divided into two phases: a preliminary and a final one, included as Part I and Part II, respectively.

Part I consisted of visits to the manufacturers, distributors and

dealers, as well as home visits, for inspection of T.V. sets. Part II con sisted only of home visits for inspection and re-inspection of sets found emitting x-radiation above the recommended valué, once they were repaired.

A total of 1,276 televisión sets were surveyed. Of these, 279 were inspected in the visits made to manufacturers, distributors, and dealers,

while the rest, 997 T.V. sets, were inspected during home visits. Although the survey has been finished, further calis requesting inspection of T.V. sets are been accepted, and inspection performed by our personnel.

METHODS AND OPERATIONS

Visits to manufacturers, distributors, and dealers as well as home visits were started in the Summer of 1969. Since only one team was

conducting the survey, it took about one year to complete the whole survey.

Part I of the survey was divided in two phases. The first phase consisted of visits to manufacturers, distributors, and dealers of color televisión receivers in Puerto Rico. The second phase, and also Part II consisted of visits to homes of T.V. sets owners.

The objectives of the visits to the manufacturers, distributors, and dealers were:

1. To make them aware of the problem.

2. To obtain a complete list of the owners of color televisión re ceivers in Puerto Rico. (There are approximately 60,000 T.V. sets in Puerto Rico).

3. To make an evaluation of the T.V. sets in stock.

4. To have the industry provide corrective service and to cooperate with us in finding out what was wrong with all the sets that were found emitting above the recommended valué.

5. To determine the most probable factors affecting x-radiation emission from T.V. sets.

The objectives of the visits to the homes were:

1. Obviously, to sean all the accessible surfaces of the sets.

2. To record (a) the model, serial number and screen size, (b)

the purchase date, (c) the distance from which the set is watched, (d) the servícing done to the set before the scanning and by whom it was performed (see Appendix B).

3. To instruct the color T.V. viewers of the possible radiation hazards that their televisión sets offer them and how to protect themselves.

At first, home visits, did not turn out so well. This was so because

many persons, whose ñame and addresses we had obtained from the distributors, were not at their homes when we went there to ma'ke the

survey. In addition, the people's distrust as to the parpóse of our visit hampered us from surveying their sets.

In an effort to accomplish our survey satisfactorily, we decided to modify our procedure. We no longer used the list of ñames provided by the distributors. Instead, a press release was made (see Appendix A) letting the public know of our survey and, at the same time, inviting them to let us know if they were interested in having their sets sur-

veyed. In this manner, the difficulties which hampered the progress of our survey came to an end.

A list of all the people interested in having their sets surveyed was made and allocated by areas. Every morning, telephone calis were made to those owners living in the Metropolitan Area which we were to cover. When set owners could not be reached by telephone, we called in person.

Before inspecting the T.V. sets, an interview was made with the T.V. owners. In it, special attention was placed in instructing them how

to protect themselves from their T.V. set. For example, keeping at least six feet from the set, and to repair the T.V. set only by expert personnel.

Afterwards, the inpection was carried out.

In the beginning of this survey, the scannings were done with a

Thyac III Victoreen Geiger Mueller Counter. Later on, the scannings were done with another instrument consisting of an array of six Vic

toreen type 1B85 Geiger Mueller Counters (5, 6).

Whenever a set was found emitting x-radiation above recom-

mended limits, the owner was informed that servicing was needed in order to set the T.V. receiver within the recommended valué.

In addition, the distributor was immediately contacted so that appropriate corrections be made. Previously it was agreed with the dis tributors that the sets found emitting x-rays above normal would be

reported to them. On the other hand, they would send a repair report form (see Appendix C), indicating the corrections and adjustments which they had performed.

Once these sets were repaired, re-inspection of them was per formed. The entire procedure was repeated until the T.V. set was found within the recommended valué.

10

RESULTS Part I:

In Part I we were able to evalúate a total of 575 sets in our survey,

279 iii the first phase and 296 in the second phase (at homes).

The sets surveyed in the first phase of Part I from the manufacturers, distributors and dealers( see Table I) should not be considered

in the final results because there are other possible variables present in the homes where the sets are finally installed which could make them emit x-radiation, e.g. variation in the line voltage.

Of those surveyed in the second phase of Part I (see Table 2), eight (8) were found emitting x-ray above the recommended valué.

Three (3) of them emitted x-rays above 0.5mR/hr but not beyond 0.9 mR/hr. The other five (5) emitted x-rays above l.OmR/hr but not be yond 5.0mR/hr. These emissions were detected in the anterior surface

in two (2) sets, in the posterior surface in two (2) sets, in the left

lateral surface (of viewer) in two (2) sets, in the top surface in one (1) set and in the top and right lateral in one (1) set.

All eight (8) T.V. sets found emitting above normal were reported to their distributors so that they would give correctivo service; repair reports were received from them. In five (5) T.V. sets the high voltage had to be adjusted; the highest voltage excess obtained above normal operating conditions was 4.0kV. The shunt regulator was found to be

the only source of excees emission in two (2) T.V. sets, and the picture tube in one (1) set.

The correctivo servicing for sets with x-radiation emissions above 0.5

mR/hr consisted of adjustments of high voltage and replacement of component parts.

A total of two (2) shunt regulators, and one (1) picture tube were replaced.

It was found that out of the 296 sets inspected, 117 owners of color T.V. receivers watched their sets from distances of less than 6 feet. One

of the sets emitted radiation in a higher dose than recommended. The remaining 179 owners kept distances greater than 6 feet but not farther than 10 feet. Seven (7) of this second group emitted at a rate greater than 0.5mR/hr.

Finally we observed that only a small fraction, 1.7% of the population, visited in this Part I service their own televisión receivers. The

majority of this small fraction were televisión repairmen.

Part II:

In Part II a total of 701 televisión sets were surveyed. Out of

these, 675 were found emitting between O and 0.4 mR/hr.

Only 26 T.V. sets were found emitting x-radiation above the re commended valué. Of these 26 T.V. sets, 22 were emitting at levels below 1.0 mR/hr, and 4 at or above 1.0 mR/hr. The highest válue found was 1.6 mR/hr (see Table 3). Of the 26 sets found emitting x-radiation,

ten (10) had the highest level of emission on the posterior surface, seven (7) on the anterior surface (of viewer), one (1) on bottom, four (4) on 11

left lateral surface, and three (3) on top and one (1) on right lateral.

All 26 T.V. sets found emitting above normal were reported to their distributors so that they would give corrective service; repair re-

ports were received from them. In sixteen (16) T.V. sets only the voltage had to be adjusted; the highest voltage excess obtained above nor mal operating condition was 6.0 kV. The shunt regulator was found to be the only source of excess emission in seven (7) T.V. sets, the picture tube in one (1) set, the rectifier tube in one (1) set, and a combination of voltage and picture tube in one (1) set.

The corrective servicing for those sets with x-radiation emissions above 0.5 mR/hr consisted of replacement of components and/or adjusting the operating high voltage to recommended operating level. A total of seven (7) shunt regulators, one (1) rectifier tube, and two (2) pic ture tubes were replaced.

It was found that 55 owners of T.V. sets watched their televisión sets

from a distance of less than 6 feet. Three of the sets were emitting x-radiation above 0.5 mR/hr. It was also found that only 1.4% of the owners service their T.V. sets.

SUMMARY RESULTS OF THE SURVEY

A total of 1,276 televisión sets were surveyed. Of these, 279 were

inspected at manufacturers, distributors and dealers. The rest of them, 997 T.V. sets, were inspected in home visits. Of these 997 T.V. sets, 963

T.V. sets were emitting x-radiation below 0.5 mR/hr.

Of those T.V. sets inspected at manufacturers, distributors, and dealers, none was found emitting above the recommended level. Of those

inspected in home visits ,only 34 were found emitting x-radiation above recommended valué. The highest valué found was 1.6 mR/hr (see Table

4). Of these 34 sets, twelve (12) had the highest level of emission measured on the posterior surface, nine (9) on the anterior, six (6) on the left lateral, four (4) on top, one (1) on bottom, one (1) on top and

right lateral and one (1) right lateral (see Table 5).

12

DISCUSSION

The purpose of this survey was to evalĂşate the magnitude of the

probiem of color televisiĂłn sets emitting x-radiation in the Metropolitan Area of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Although different makes and models were surveyed, no relationship can be established, between makes and

models and x-radiation emission. That requires a greater sample and a better representation of each make and model.

Out of the 997 T.V. sets surveyed in homes visits, only 34 were found emitting above 0.5 mR/hr, which represents 3.4% of the total sur veyed. This percentage is lower in comparison with those found in other surveys (2, 3, 4.).

The results obtained in our survey confirms that industry is capable of producing T.V. sets within the recommendations made by the National Committee on Radiation Protection and Measurements. Even

so, further improvements should be performed in order to keep to a minimum the chances of unnecessary x-radiation emission.

13

CONCLUSIONS

1. X-ray emission from color televisiĂłn sets occurs in Puerto Rico and was observed in various makes and models of the 11273 sets surveyed.

2. We found that only 3.4% of T.V. sets surveyed were emitting xrays above 0.5niR/Iir.

3. Operatin'g high voltage affects production and emission of x-radiation from components.

4. Other main sources of x-radiation are the shunt regulator, thc rectĂ­fier tube, and the picture tube.

^ Pj.Qpgj. s0rvicing reduces the x-radiation to a permisible leveh

14

REFERENCES

15

REFERENCES

1. The National Committee on Radiation Protection and Measurements, "Recommendations for Color T.V. Receivers with X-Radiation Emis-

sion"; Radiology 173-22 (1960).

2. "A Survey of X-Radiation from Color Televisiรณn Sets in Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area"; Report TSB No. 3, PB 178-810, United

States Public Health Service, National Center for Radiological Health, Rockville, Maryland (March 1968).

3. "A Pilot Survey of X-Radiation from Color Televisiรณn Receivers in

Pinellas County, Florida"; Report TSB No. 2, PB 178-809, United States Public Health Sevice, National Center for Radiological Health, Rockville, Maryland (June 1968).

4. D.R. Smith et al, "X-Radiation Control Programs in the Color Tele visiรณn Industry"; Report DEP 69-1, PB 185-979, United States Public Health Service, Bureau of Radiological Health, Rockville, Maryland (March 1969).

5. R.K. Storms and Edward Kuerge, "Instrument for Measurement of X-Ray Emission from Televisiรณn Sets"; Report TSB No. 1, PB 178808, United States Public Health Service, National Center for Radio

logical Health, Rockville, Maryland (January 1968).

6. H.J.L. Rechen et al, "Calibration and Energy Dependence of the EPRL X-Ray Survey Meter"; Technical Papers: Conference on Detection and Measurement of X-Radiation from Color Televisiรณn Receiv

ers, page 175-184, Conference held in Washington, D.C., March 28-29, 1968, presented by United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, National Center for Radiological Health, 12720 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland 20852.

17

TABLES

19

Table 1. Distribution of color T.V. sets by the X-radiation exposure rate in the first phase of Part I. (In mR/hr at 5 cm. from the surface of the set.).

BRAND GR MANUFACTURER

Admiral Andrea

CurtĂ­s Mathes Emerson

General Electric

TOTAL

O TO 0.4

10

10

O

4

4

o

19

19

o

0.5 TO 0.9

5

5

O

20

20

O

Hotpoint Magnavox

2

2

O

12

12

O

Motorola

13

13

O

2

2

O

Olympic Packard-Bell

7

7

O

Panasonic

5

5

O

Penncrest

5

5

O

Philco

30

30

o

R.CA.

7

7

o

Sears

5

5

o

Setchell Carlson

3

3

o

Sharp

17

17

o

Silvertone

33

33

o

Sylvania

6

6

o

Toshiba

14

14

O

Westinghouse

14

14

O

Zenith

46

46

o

279

279

Grand Total

21

Table 2. Distribution of color T.V. sets by the X-radiation exposure rate in the second phase of Part 1. (In mR/hr at 5 cm. from the surface of the set.).

BRAND OR MANUFACTURER

TOTAL

0 TO 0.4

0.5 TO 0.9

1.0 TO I

11

11

0

0

4

4

0

0

27

26

0

1

Emerson

5

5

0

0

Del Monico

1

1

0

0

40

39

0

1

1

1

0

0

Admiral Andrea

CurtĂ­s Mathes

General Electric Heathkit

Hotpoint Magnavox

2

2

0

0

11

11

0

0

Motorola

4

4

0

0

Olympic

2

2

0

0

Packard-Bell

2

2

0

0

Panasonic

18

18

0

0

Penncrest

5

5

0

0

Philco

9

8

1

0

R.CA.

11

10

1

0

Sears

43

42

l

0

Setchell Carlson

5

5

0

0

Sharp

2

2

0

0

Silvertone

19

19

0

0

Sylvania

17

17

0

0

Toshiba

13

12

0

1 0

1

1

0

Westinghouse

17

17

0

0

Zenith

26

24

0

2

296

288

3

5

True-Tone

Grand Total

22

Table 3. Distribution of color T.V. sets by the x-radiation exposure rate in Part 11. (In mR/hr at 5 cm. from the surface of the set).

MANUFACTURER

TOTAL

0 TO 0.4

0;5 TO 0.9

1.0 TO

Admiral

26

24

2

0

Curthes Mathes

94

90

4

0

Dumont

2

2

0

0

Emerson

8

8

0

0

101

99

2

0

General Electric Heathkít

2

2

0

0

Hotpoint

5

5

0

0

27

25

1

1

0

0

Magnavox Mótorola

5

5

Nivico

1

1

0

0

Oljnnpic

2

2

0

0

Packard Bell

10

9

0

1

Panasonic

25

24

1

0

Penncrest

22

22

0

0

Philco

13

13

0

0

R.C.A.

27

24

3

0

Sears

50

44

5

1 0

0

Setchell Carison

3

3

0

Sharp

6

6

0

86

86

0

0

3

3

0

0

Silvertone

Singer

Sony Sylvania

1

1

0

0

50

49

1

0

Toshiba

22

22

0

0

Westinghouse

44

43

0

1

66

63

3

0

701

675

22

4

Zenith

Grand Total

23

Table 4. Distribution of color T.V. sets by the x-radiation exposure rate in borne visits of Part I and Part II. (In mR/hr at 5 cm. from the surface of the set).

MANUFACTURER

Admiral Andrea

Curthes Mathes

0 TO 0.4

TOTAL

0.5 TO 0.9

1.0 TO

37

35

2

0

4

4

0

0

121

116

4

1

Del Monico

1

1

0

0

Dumont

2

2

0

0

13

13

0

0

141

138

2

1

Heathkit

3

3

0

0

Hotpoint Magnavox

7

7

0

0 1 0

Emerson General Electiic

38

36

1

Motorola

9

9

0

Nivico

1

1

0

0

Olymplc

4

4

0

0

12

11

0

1

Panasonic

43

42

1

0

Penncrest

27

27

0

0

1

0

0

Packard Bell

Philco

22

21

R.C.A.

38

34

4

Sears

93

86

6

1

Setchell Carlson

8

8

0

0

Sharp

8

8

0

0

105

105

0

0

3

3

0

0

1

1

0

0

Sylvania

67

66

1

0

Toshiba

35

34

0

1

1

1

0

0

Westinghouse

61

60

0

1

Zenith

92

87

3

2

997

963

25

9

Silvertone

Singer Sony

True Tone

Grand Total

24

Table 5. Distribution of color T.V. sets, found in Parts I and II, emitting above the recommended leve!, including surface measured, and source of radiation.

LEVEL OF MANUFACTURER

EMISSION mR/hr

SURFACE

SOURCE OF RADIATION

Admiral

0.8

Anterior

Admiral

0.6

Right Lateral

Shunt Regulator High Voltage Picture Tube

Curthes

Mathes

0.6

Posterior

Curthes Mathes

0.7

Posterior

Picture Tube

Curthes Mathes

0.6

Bottom

Shunt Regulator

Curthes Mathes

0.7

Left Lateral

High Voltage

Curthes Mathes

1.0

Posterior

Picture Tube and

General Electric

0.6

Posterior Posterior

High Voltage Shunt Regulator High Voltage High Voltage High Voltage

General Electric

1.4

General Electric

0.6

Posterior

Magnavox Magnavox

1.6

Left Lateral

0.6

Top

High Voltage

Packard Bell

1.5

Anterior

Picture Tube

Panasonic

0.6

Top

Philco

0.5

Anterior

R.C.A.

0.6

Left Lateral

R.C.A.

0.6

Top

R.C.A.

0.6

Anterior

R.C.A.

0.6

Anterior

High Voltage High Voltage Shunt Regulator High Voltage High Voltage High Voltage

Sears

0.8

Sears

1.0

Top Top

Sears

0.6

Posterior

Sears

0.6

Posterior

Sears

0.6

Posterior

Sears

0.6

Posterior

Sylvania

0.8

Left Lateral

Toshiba

1.0

Left Lateral

Westinghouse

1.0

Posterior

Zenith

0.6

Anterior

Zenith

1.0

Anterior

Zenith

0.5

Anterior

Zenith

1.0

Anterior

Zenith

0.7

Left Lateral

25

Rectifier Tube

High Voltage High Voltage High Voltage High Voltage High Voltage Shunt Regulator Shunt Regulator High Voltage High Voltage High Voltage High Voltage High Voltage Shunt Regulator

APPENDIX A

PRESS PELEASES

27

r..,

NEWSPAPER:

EL MUNDO

DATE

MAY 8, 1969

Peligro de Radiaciones

el mundo jneveay 8 de Mayo

i969

"u

Previenen Sobre Uso TV a Color Por Wilda Rodríguez

brió un nuevo número de tele A fin de que el peh'gro po marcas, la información sumi visores en un condado de Long tencial de radiaciones sea el nistrada por el señor Faulkner

Han resurgido en los Estados Island. Nueva York, cuyas emi mínimo recomendado, el Ne llama la atención hacia un nú Unidos problemas con las ra siones de Rayos X sobrepasan gociado de Salud Radiológica mero de televisores fabricados diaciones que emiten los tele al nivel mínimo recomendado la Administración de Control después del 18 de octubre de visores a color, que han moti por el Consejo Nacional de Ambiental y el Servicio de Sa 1968 que se han encontrado vado al Departamento de Sa Protección contra Radiaciones. lud y Protección Ambiental defectuosos en su emisión de

lud de Puerto Rico a insistir en los televidentes sobre las

han encarecido al Departamen Rayos X. La información, recibida por to de Salud que enteren a la Se advierte además que reglas de seguridad que deben el Secretario, fue enviada por población en general sobre el cualquier sospecha de parte da seguir. el señor John D. Faulkner. del peligro. la población televidente sobre Departamento de Salud Edu Comunicaciones recibidas por cación y Bienestar de los Es Recuerda el Departamento sus aparatos de televisión, o que los televidentes que posean alguna duda, deben comunicar el Secretario de Salud, doctor tados Unidos. aparatos de televisión a co se inmediatamente con el Ne Ernesto Colón Yordán. señalan que recientemente se descu- Señaló dicho funcionario que lor. deban mantenerse a una gociado de Salud Radiológica, en una encuesta realizada por distancia de entre seis y diez la Administración de Control el Departamento de Salud del pies de la pantalh y evitar Ambiental, o el Servicio de Consumidor y da reside en la calle Degetau. condado de Souffolk. veinte de mantenerse al lado o detrás Proteccióu al Salinas, ba sido condecorado unos cinco mil televisores emt- del equipo mientra^ esté en Salud Ambientál. localizado en con la

medalla de

eión del Ejército.

Comei^a

12720 Twinbrook. Park Wa/» tfan radiaciones por encima funcionamiento.

Aunque no se infirman las Rockville. Maryland, 208. dd nivel recomendable.

29

NEWSPAPER: THE SAN JUAN STAR JUNE 24, 1969

DATE

THEsan JUAN STAR—Tuosday,June 24,1969.

HiW Moves To Set Stondards For Radiotion From TV Sets

By JOHN D. MORRIS ^Yor* Tinaes Newsservice

WASHINGTON — Under con-

gressional prodding» the Department of Health, Education and WeUare is belatedly moving to establish máximum radiation standards for new

televisión sets and otber electronic products. _ Excessive radiation

from

some of the 20 miUion color televisión sets already in use, however, has emerged as a

more pressing problem, and the

¿epartment has been unable to fimT a satisfactory solution. It

advises viewers to stay at le^t six feet away from an operating

ment and microwave ovens to

foUow.

Grovemment

Friday

to

consider

recoin-

mendations of the department's Consumer Protection and

Environmental Health^ Service for a máximum emission stan dard covering new televisión sets. The committee will also

discuss problems of setting standards for diagnostic X-ray

equipment and

microwave

ovens.

Establishment of mandatory

standards is required by the Radiation CJontrol for Health and

Safety Act, which became law last Oct. 18.

The delay in promulgating the

regulations, which has drawn criticism

from

members of

Congress, is attributed by officials to the change of administrations and various other factors. Technical problems, a

shortage of personnel and ad ministrativo problems arising from a reorganization of the

department are among the other reásons cited.

The

15-member

technical

committee must be consulted, according to the act, before standards can be fixed. The

industry

satisfied that virtually all televisión sets now being manufactured are safe. Spot checks have indicated that only a miniscule number emit radia tion above the máximum of 0.5 milliroentgens an hour recommended by the National Council on Radiation protection and measurements.

Once a federal standard is

sct, manufacturers must certify to the govemment that new sets are in compliance. The new law also empowers the

govemment to require manufacturers

A recently appointed technical advis<nry committee will meet in Washington Hiursday and

and

spokesmen say they are

to

replace,

repair or refund the purchase price of any set built after last Oct. 18 that is found to emit excessive radiation.

Surveys of sets already in use have indicated that from

5 to 20 per cent emit radiation above 0.5 milliroentgens

an

hour. From one million to four

million sets thus may be defective if the survey results are

representative of the situation nationally.

Charles C. Johnson Jr., administrator of the Consumer Protection and Environmental

Health Service, regards this as "an industry-wide problem."

"Although it is unlikely that the radiation exposure encountered from televisión receivers would produce a

somatic (physical) effect even at le veis considerably above the 0.5 milliroentgen per hour

level," he said, "one cannot rule out the possibility of genetic effects.

"To date there is insufficient evidence to conclude that there is a tolerable level for radiation

exposures."

Massive doses of radiation can cause burns, anemia or

committee was appointed by Secretary Robert H. Finch on

cáncer but there is apparently no likQÜhood of any such effects

June 10.

from televisión emissions. The unknown factor is the amount of cumulative radiation from various sources that causes the

Officials said Sunday they were confident of satisfactory

progress, with a televisión stan dard to be issued promptly and

mutation of genes with a possi-

standards covering X-ray equip

ble effect on future generations.

30

NEWSPAPER: THE SAN JUAN STAR

DATE

: J ULY 3, 1 969

THESAN JUAM STAS—Thurscay,Juiy 3^ t96S>

Deportneirt Of Healib Eyes Cotor TV STects The CbmmoDwealtk Department o£ Health- has ondertaken

a studsr to determine whether

color televisión sets being ttsed in the homes are «rnitting harmful radiation.

Amalia Velez^ director of the

department's radiological health program, said a great number of ccdor televisimi sets have been surveyed in sale and distribution centers on the island, but nene in the hcwnes.

The home survey starts today and will continoe until July 8 from 8 to 12 a.m. and from

1 to 4 p.m. on weekdays, Miss Velez said.

She urged those persons interested in having their color televisión sets checked, should caU 722-2050^ extensión 223 or 232 for an appointment.

31

NEWSPAPER: EL MUNDO : JULY 22, 1969

DATE

ELküíDO San Juan,Puerto RIeo. Martes,22 de Julio de1W

JOooo

VACC/OAff

Marque: 767-S29S linea Directa resuelve problemas, ofrece respuestas,

ejqiedita asuntos, defiende sus derechos. Llame al teléfono 767-8299,o escriba a Linea Directa» Aparta do 2408, G. P. O., San Juan 00936l

Leí en Línea Directa sobre los televisores a colores.

Mi esposo y yo quisiéramos saber si nuestro televisor tiene demasiada radioactividad. £1 y yo vemos la te levisión durante cuatro horas corridas todas las noches.

—R. H. T.» Residencial Laurel, Río Piedras.

Su nombre ha sido incluido en una lista del Progra ma Radiológico del Departamento de Salud que a solici tud de personas interesadas, estudia la radioactividad

en los televisores con un medidor Geiger.

Pero tenga

paciencia, antes que usted hay 800 personas en turno.

Mientras tanto, manténgase a una distancia de seis pies o más de la pantalla y no se afectará si su televisor

tiene exceso de radiación. Es poco probable que un te levisor nuevo de 1969, como el suyo, tenga escape de radiación. Esto ocurre n^ayormente entre aparatos más viejos. Se mencionan 15 causas del exceso de radiación en los televisores a color, entre éstas: un aumento deli

berado del voltaje recomendado por la fábrica para ob tener una imagen mejor en la pantalla; la falta o el deterioro de la coraza de protección contra radiación

(shieiding); el uso de piezas defectivas en una repara ción; el exceso de voltaje en las líneas conductoras de electricidad a la casa.

32

NEWSPAPER:

:

DATE

EL IMPARCIAL

SEPTEMBER 2, 1969

Examinarán TV a Colores El Departamento de Sa lud está Uevaindo a cabo

un estudio para determinar

la posibilidad de que en Puerto Rico haya televiso res a color que emiten ra yos X. En este estudio inicial mente se evaluarán los tele>ds<xres a color de todas las

marcas de los primeiros 400 ciudadanos que asi lo dese en. La evaluación se efec

tuaría durante horas lábo rabies de lunes a viernes.

LiOS interesados favor de llamar de 8:00 am. a 12:00

m. y de 1:00 pm. a 4:00

pm. durante los días del 2 ad 8 de julio de 1969,

al Prograona de Salud Ra diológica, Departameoto de Salud Pública, teléfono 722-

2050, Extensiones 223, y 232.

33

NEWSPAPER: EL IMPARCIAL

date

: SEPTEMBER 9, 1969

Peligros De TV a Colores WASHINGTON, (UPI) — te de consumidores y miem

Dos agencias del gobierno bros del Congreso.

La Comisión Federal de advirtieron hoy a 'los televi dentes que no deben situar Comercio se unió al Servi se a menos de seis o diez cio de Salud Pública en cuanto a la recomendación

pies de los aparatos de

levisión a colores y también de la distancia que

debe

que deben evitar cualquier guardarse del aparato

re

exposición a los lados y par ceptor. También recomendó te trasera de los aparatos en que los televisores a colores sean atendidos para repara La advertencia vino cuan ciones por un personal com do la Comisión Federal de petente únicamente.

funcionamiento.

La Comisión admitió que, Comercio anunció que tebía llevado a cabo una in aunque se continúa la inves vestigación por su personal tigación en el campo de la de 'la radiación emitida por radiación, "la ciencia no co

los aparatos a colores. Esta noce actualmente qué efec

investigación se hizo l-u^o

tos, si algunos, pueden te

de haberse recibido iirfini" ner dosis pequeñas en el dad de indagaciones de par

(Pasa a la página 8)

Peligros de TV (Viene de la portada)

organismo durante

largos

períodos de exposición".

Como una precaución, el

gobierno opina que el per sonal de reparación de los televisores debería "ajus tarse al voltaje recomenda

do por los fabricantes para los tubos de los aparatos a colores con el fin de redu cir las probabilidades de emisión de los Rayos X".

"El mejoramiento de la

imagen en los televisores a colores, recurriendo a un voltaje sobre los límites re comendados, puede exponer

al propietario del aparato televisor y a su familia a

peligros innecesarios", dijo la Comisión Federal de Co mercio.

34

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL ADMINISTRATION

Rockville, Maryland 20852

HEW NEWS

Press Release: Dec. 25, 1969

HEW-Y24

A Federal standard setting máximum allowable x-ray emissions from televisión receivers manufactured after January 15, 1970, was announced today by Chris A. Hansen, Commissioner of the Environmental Control Administration.

The standard sets an emission limit of 0.5 miliroentgen per hour as measured at a distance of five centimeters (about two inches) from any point on the outside of the set.

The standard —the first to be promulgated under the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act— applies to both color and black and white televisión receivers. Color sets, however, present the greater potential for excessive x-rays.

Under the new regulations, every receiver manufactured after January 15 must carry a label or tag certifying that the set meets the Federal standard.

The regulations also require that the máximum x-ray leakage stand ard be met even under certain adverse operating conditions. These conditions, which become progressively more stringent, are as follows: (1) Sets manufactured after January 15, 1970, must comply with the emission limit even if the user adjusts the ouside controls in a way that increases the set's capacity to produce x-rays.

(2) Sets manufactured after June 1, 1970 will be required to meet

the standard even though both external and internal controls have been placed out of adjustment in a way that increases potential x-ray emis sions.

(3) Sets manufactured after June 1, 1971, will be required to meet

the standard even though controls inside and outside the set are maladjusted and, in addition, a component or circuit failure increases the xray emission capacity.

The requirement that receivers meet the standard under adverse operating conditions means that a set in normal adjustment would be well below the máximum emission level.

Sets also will be required to meet the new performance standard even though they are being operated at electric line voltages up to 130, as compared with standard line voltages of 110 to 120. The higher voltage also represents a condition under which x-ray emission may be increased.

The standard became effective upon publication in the Federal Register today. The standard was initially proposed October 16, 1969.

35

APPENDIX B

X-RAY EMISSION FROM COLOR T.V. SETS

(EVALUATION REPORT)

37

X-RAY EMISSION FROM COLOR T.V. SETS

(EVALUATION REPORT)

I- Set Owner

II- Set Description

a) Ñame b) Address

Manufacturar Modal Numbar

c) City d) Stata Puerto Rico Zip Coda

Serial Numbar Consola Scraan Siza

Portable (Diagonal)

Ñama of Distributor (or Daaler) ..

Address

■Purchasa data III- X-Radiation Emissions

a) Anterior:

Vertical. . . . . . . Horizontal. . . . . . . Middle

b) Top: c) Right Lateral: d) Laft Lateral:

Vertical. . . . . . . Horizontal. . . . . . . Middle Vertical. . . . . . . Horizontal. . . . . . . Middle

a) Posterior:

Vertical. . . . . . . Horizontal. . . . . . . Middle Vertical. . . . . , . Horizontal. . . . . . . Middle

f) Botom:

Vertical. . . . . , . Horizontal. . . . . . . Middle

IV- Exposure Parameters in home: Distanca from Televisión

(faat)

V- General Information

a) Has tha racaivar baan submittad for Rapair bafora Evaluation?

(Yes, No)

b) How many timas? c) Whara?

When

(Date) (Ñama & Address)

d) Reason (If Known)

f) Hava you avar triad to rapair your own receptor?

VI- Was sat within recommand limits?

Instrumants:

(Ñama and Serial Numbar) Survayor

39

(Yes, No) Data

(Yes. No)

APPENDIX C

X'RAY EMISSION FROM COLOR T.V. SETS

(REPAIR REPORT)

41

,r.

X-RAY EMISSION FROM COLOR T.V. SETS

(REPAIR REPORT) I- Set Owner

II- Set Description

a) Ñame b) Address

a) Manufacturar b) Modal Numbar c) Serial Numbar

c) City

d) State Puerto Rico Zip

d) Cabinat Styla (portable, consola, othar) a) Scraan Size (Diagonal)

Code

III- Voltage Measurements

a) Lina Voltage Volts. b) Máximum oparating voltage bafora rapairmant c) Maícimum Voltage for propar Functioning Raceivar IV- Ttibe Maniijacturer and Type

kV. kV.

V- Repair done:

a) Specify (if any) typa of tuba raplacad and for which oth ar typa was it raplacad

a) Shunt

b) Ractifiar c) Pictura .

for

b) Was any calibration of the high Voltage Ragulator Circuits parformad?

(Yes, No).

c) Othar (specify)

VI- Source of Radiation

VII- Date of Repair Placa of Repair ... Ñame of Rapairman

Shunt Ragulator tuba Ractifiar tuba Pictura tuba Othar

Signatura

Specify

43

\

\

\

\

\

ERRATA

A SURVEY OF X-RADIATION FROM COLOR

T.V. RECEIVERS IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA

OF SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

1.

Page 9 - The word "been" in the last line of the INTRODUCTION should be "being '".

2. Page 21 - In the title of Table 1, omit the period after the word "set" inside the parentheses.

3. Page 22 - In the title of Table 2, omit the period after the word "sef inside the parentheses.

4.

Page 23 - In the MANUFACTURER column: '■Curthes Mathes" should be written "Curtis Mathes' "Packard Bell" should be written Packard-Bell"

5.

Page 24 - In the MANUFACTURER column: 'Curthes Mathes" should be written 'Curtis Mathes ' 'Packard Bell* should be written ' Packard-Bell' •Penncrest should not be written in italics.

6.

Page 25 - In the MANUFACTURER column: "Curthes Mathes" should be written

Curtis Mathes''

"Packard Bell" should be written "Packard-Bell'".

V

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<v>

co

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