[jshorva65]

X-ray emission was a big problem with early television, especially with sets that used more than 20kV on the CRT anode (early color sets, large-screen b/w direct-view sets and early projection models). New Federal regulations from DHEW in 1968 and again in 1972 were aimed at cutting x-radiation emissions from tv sets. The x-randiation output from a single, properly-functioning tv was typically low, but exposure to several sets operating in close proximity (ie tv showrooms, repair shops, museums and collector's displays) could present some hazards. Symptoms of overexposure to x-radiation include headache. It's advisable to limit the number of sets that are operating simultaneously in close proximity. Two sets operating within 10' of each other is normally safe, but stacking sets to the point of having 6 or more sets operating in a 20'x20' room is certainly inviting trouble. My recommendation would be to turn on only a few of the sets to be displayed at any given time, then turn those off and switch on another group. The safety glass on many early sets (particularly color receivers) was often made of leaded glass for the purpose of x-ray shielding. Early rectangular color CRT's (and some late-model round CRT's) were installed with large metal shields around the bell of the tube for the dual purpose of blocking x-ray emissions (safety) and (along with automatic degaussers) limiting the influence of external magnetic fields on convergence.