Technology is incredible, but it’s not risk-free. Phones, laptops, and tablets have become such an integral part of daily life that it’s easy to forget they can be dangerous. While most devices don’t malfunction, some do. And worse, there are hidden health risks that take time to develop.
Understanding these dangers will help you use technology safely and avoid serious harm.
1. Exploding lithium batteries
Lithium-ion batteries power most of today’s devices, but they’re not inherently safe. There’s a good reason the postal service requires identifying packages that contain these batteries – they’re prone to exploding under pressure and high heat. And when they fail, the impact can be catastrophic.
You might remember when Samsung recalled millions of Galaxy Note 7 phones after dozens of fires and explosions were reported worldwide. That wasn’t the first time a major manufacturer had distributed devices with defective batteries. Years prior, Apple had a problem with its 17” Macbook Pro batteries swelling and exploding. Although the 17” Macbook is long gone, it’s an issue many people still experience to this day.
The problem with defective devices is the lack of warning. You can’t predict when or if you’ll be injured, but if you are, you can file a defective product lawsuit against the manufacturer.
2. Repetitive strain injuries
Constantly using devices can cause injuries from repetitive motion and strain. This can include carpal tunnel syndrome from typing and swiping for hours on end, and “texting thumb” where the tendons in your thumb become inflamed.
The best way to prevent these types of injuries is to take breaks every hour, get up, stretch, walk, and move your body. You can also get ergonomic furniture – like a desk and chair – to reduce the potential for long-term injury.
3. Eye strain from staring at screens
Digital devices flood your eyes with artificial light for as long as you’re using them, which can cause fatigue and other problems. Symptoms can include blurry vision, headaches, dry eyes, and trouble sleeping. While the screen itself can cause physical strain, the blue light emitted from screens disrupts sleep. Prolonged exposure can suppress melatonin production and lead to sleep deprivation.
The best way to avoid eye strain is to look away from your screen at least once every 20 minutes. To avoid disrupted sleep cycles, stop looking at screens for a couple hours before you go to bed.
4. Burns from laptops
Portable electronics are great, but they generate a lot of heat. When a laptop rests on any surface for a long period of time, it can’t dissipate heat properly. This can damage the internal components, but also cause harm. Resting a laptop on your bare legs for long periods of time can cause second-degree burns.
Avoid using laptops on beds, couches, or your lap because it blocks ventilation and raises the risk of burns and even fire. Instead, use hard surfaces and cooling pads with fans. A laptop may not feel dangerous, but the heat it produces can be enough to cause serious injury.
5. Fires from overcharging
We already discussed how lithium-ion batteries are prone to fire and explosion, but you may not realize that just leaving a device plugged in to charge overnight can create that same risk. A simple overcharge is enough to trigger the battery to overheat uncontrollably, leading to a fire.
As a rule, never charge your devices under a pillow or blanket, and avoid charging them overnight. If you notice a swollen battery, have it replaced immediately. Cheap chargers can also contribute to fires, so stick with brand-name chargers.
Although some Apple devices use the Optimized Battery Charging feature that slows and halts a charge when a battery is nearing capacity, it’s not standard for every device. Don’t assume it’s an option or enabled just because you’re using an Apple device.
6. Hearing damage from earbuds
Music and phone calls can lead to gradual hearing loss when you use earbuds. Even though it may feel just fine, listening to sounds above 85 decibels for long periods of time can cause permanent hearing loss.
It helps to keep your volume below 60%. Some devices will alert you when your volume is too high.
But there’s another risk you may not have considered – bacteria. When you wear earbuds without cleaning them periodically, you’re putting bacteria into your ears and that can lead to infections.
Tech convenience comes with hidden risks
Whether it’s a phone, a laptop, or a tablet, these essential tools come with risks. From repetitive motion injuries to major hazards like exploding batteries, technology can cause serious harm. But these risks can be avoided.
By using devices mindfully, you can reduce the risks and still enjoy all the benefits of your tech.
