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The VDU or visual display unit is one of the most pervasive manifestations of technological change. It is also the one which has aroused the most controversy and, at times, misinformation about possible adverse effects on the health of users. As VDU's become increasingly common in the workplace it is important to examine these allegations and consider their veracity.

A recent article (Aslib Proceedings, March Vol. 39, No. 3) ‘Do VDUs make you sick?’ dealt with the possible health hazards which the misuse of visual display units (VDUs) can cause. These hazards are:

American research findings suggest that genetic factors are involved in the etiology of alcoholism. This led to consideration of the possibility that genetic factors might also be involved in the causation of drug abuse. The results of the US researchers' review of the present state of knowledge in the fields of alcoholism and drug abuse are published as: Biological Vulnerability to Drug Abuse (PB89‐125520) (A09) by the US Government's National Technical Information Service. Their UK distributor is Microinfo Ltd, PO Box 3, Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2PG and Nicola Fish will supply more information and the price of the document.

British government approves data network After months of preparation by HM Treasury's Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA), the first phase of the Government Data Network (GDN) has now been accepted. Trials of GDN took place in January, and it has now been implemented for daily use in 178 Customs and Excise locations throughout Britain. GDN is operated by Racal Data Networks.