Fluorescent Lighting

Taking precautions with compact fluorescent lights

Here is our take on fluorescent lighting, from the perspective of the non-technical, non-specialist household user. If you need special advice, please consult the appropriate engineering or medical authorities.

THE ISSUE:  Recent research in the UK has raised concerns about ultraviolet (UV) light emitted by compact fluorescent lamps. The experience there indicated that close exposure to bare CF lamps for prolonged periods caused skin reactions in some people who are medically sensitive to UV light.

WHO IS AFFECTED?  Does this mean there is no risk for people who are not medically sensitive or who are exposed to fluorescent illumination at a greater distance? At this point, we don't know. But consumers do need to know. As of February 2009, there is no evidence that LGLW is aware of, suggesting that exposure to fluorescent light from ceiling fixtures or long-tube lamps poses a risk. However, we understand that Health Canada is investigating. Good idea.

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Cautions and Concerns

MEDICAL SENSITIVITIES: Based on the UK experience, it appears that those with a medical sensitivity to UV should avoid close exposure to certain types of bare CF lamps for prolonged periods. Options to reduce the risk would include:

• increasing the distance from the lamp
• for task lighting, using a lamp with a cover that filters the UV light
• reducing exposure time, or
• if these steps are impractical, replacing CF lamps with incandescent bulbs as a temporary measure while seeking a more energy-saving solution.

Again, where appropriate, people should consult a qualified medical practitioner for specific advice about their own health risks.

WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF US? All consumers will want to make informed decisions about their use of CF lamps. At RCM, we are keeping the long-tube fluorescent lights in our offices. They are in ceiling fixtures and provide general illumination. But we will not use CFLs for close-up or task lighting until we find out more. That does not mean that we have concluded that there is a danger. It just means we don't know.

RESEARCH:  Research is needed to identify and quantify the risk for consumers. For example, we at LGLW want to know if the longer-tube fluorescent lights currently used in our (and other) offices are emitting UV and, if so, at what levels.

CONSUMER EDUCATION:  Consumer education is needed, if there are special precautions that should be taken in the use of CFLs. People need to be able to make informed decisions about the use of these lamps.

LABELLING:  Labelling on packages and  products should advise consumers appropriately about any risks, including special risks for people with medical sensitivities to UV light.

TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENTS:  Some types of CF lamp designs include a cover that filters UV rays. These lamps look more like conventional incandescent bulbs. If further research confirms a UV risk from CFLs, lamps with this protective filter need to be more widely available to consumers.

ENERGY SAVING: Fluorescent lamps do offer significant energy savings over traditional incandescent bulbs. That's great for cost-saving and for the environment. But if there are UV concerns, consumers need to know the risks so that they can use the lamps appropriately.

DISPOSAL:  Since fluorescent lamps contain small amounts of mercury, they need to be disposed of in hazardous waste, not in regular household garbage. Even in small amounts, mercury poses a health risk, so please don't put them in the trash. And if a lamp breaks, the US Environmental Protection Agency has developed special clean-up instructions to reduce exposure to mercury.