Electrict current from wireless mouse. Using a Logitech wireless mouse
I notice a small amount of tingling in my fingers as if there is a
small amount of leakage from the wireless mouse batteries. I notice
the same thing when using my plug in HP mouse. Wondering is this
dangerous to one's health other a long period of time.
Is there any way to avoid this.

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Request for Question Clarification by sgtcory-ga on 25 May 2005 17:12 PDT

Hello busmegg50,

That's very strange. Is there any metal exposed on your mouse that you
can visibly see?

Do you use your computer often? This may actually be numbness that can
cause nerve damage over a period of time.

Thanks -

SgtCory

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Clarification of Question by busmegg50-ga on 25 May 2005 18:13 PDT

No metal is exposed. I assume as with all appliances there is a
certain amount of munimal voltgage leakage. I am on the computer about
2 hours per day and have noticed this for the last 3 years as a minor
inconvience. If I were to put on a glove while using a mouse (which is
impractal) there is no tingling. The tingling I would compare with
rubbing ones fingers across a 12 or 24 volt battery, the ones Radio
Shack used to sell for electrical experiments for youngsters.
I am surprised that I had not heard this from others in that I assume
there has to be some voltage leakage while using the mouse, be it
wireless or standard. So in a nut shell, lets assume there is and
perhaps my fingers are more sensetive to it, over a long period of
time, how would this interface or act as a detrement to ones health.
This is not in similar fashion to suspect health care issues as
relates to cell phone usage, when one holds a cell phone up to their
ear. I think this presents no problem whatsoever.
So back to the tingling fingers, have you ever heard of this and by
the way, this has occured on every variation of mouse I have used over
the last 3 to 5 years, more so with the advent of the wireless mouse.

I have just looked at the base of my (wired) mouse and it works on 6
volts. A wireless (battery) mouse is probably even less. It is well
insulated in plastic and is probably quite safe even if connected to
the mains electricity.

I think the tingling in your fingers is a physical problem caused by
the position of your fingers when using the mouse. Wearing a glove may
relief the sensation because it cushions your grip on the mouse. I
suggest you try different mice and look at your work position (desk,
chair, etc) to find a comfortable way of working.

The UK Health and Safety Executive say this about using mice:

Intensive use of a mouse, trackball, or similar pointing device may
give rise to aches and pains in the fingers, hands, wrists, arms or
shoulders. This can also happen with a keyboard, but mouse work
concentrates activity on one hand and arm (and one or two fingers),
and this may make problems more likely. Risks can be reduced by
adopting a good posture and technique - see pages 13 and 14.
Try to limit the time you spend using the mouse. Take frequent breaks -
even short pauses to relax your arm can help, as can spells using the
keyboard or doing non-computer work. Place the mouse close, so it
can be used with a relaxed arm and straight wrist. It can help to support
your arm, for example on the desk surface or arm of a chair. If you still
find using the mouse awkward, you could try a different shaped or sized
one, or another device such as a trackball.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg36.pdf

Owain

"So back to the tingling fingers, have you ever heard of this and by
the way, ..."

Unfortunately I have not. I'll leave the question open in the event
that another researcher can find some more useful information.

SgtCory

busmegg50,

I also don't think it's the mouse. My recommendation is to try one of these:

Gel Wrist Rests and Mouse Pads
http://www.ergoindemand.com/Wrist-Rests-Mouse-Pads.htm

There're in any computer sture. The gel types are very, very
comfortable. By using one, it will readjust the position of your
entire hand and fingers, hopefully enough to relieve the pressure on
the nerves affecting your fingers.

~~Cynthia

I just found a page that recommends a new MOUSE, one that fits your
HAND... NOT wrist pads.

Hmmm....
http://www.ergoconsulting.com/new_page_1.htm

What I would do to figure it out, is to use the mouse with my OTHER
hand for a couple hours to see if the tingling is in the other hand.
Carpal Tunnel could easily cause this type of feeling.

~~Cynthia