Be careful with Energy saving lamps
Health officials issued a warning over energy-saving lightbulbs yesterday after research showed that some types could potentially harm the skin and even raise the risk of cancer.
A study by the Health Protection Agency found that some unencapsulated fluorescent lightbulbs, which have a coil that is visible, emitted ultraviolet (UV) radiation above the recognised safety limits.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/oct/10/health-energyefficiency
scientific mind here.
Several things to point out.
The article was taking about UVC detected from 30 cm away, you are fine as long as you are not sitting that close to a bulb.
Only 9 out of 53 unencapsulated bulbs were emitting high levels of UVC, or put another way, 44 out of 53 uncapsulated bulbs are safe enough to be working close to. there is no indication as to which bulbs were tested; These could be lower quality bulbs from china, or first gen energy saving bulbs from a decade ago.
Finally UVC is absorbed by glass. Made sure that the bulb has an outer capsule, double layered coils, or a thick single coil and there is nothing to worry about.
No need to panic.
say if to enclosed on prismatic or opal types of light covers? would it still harms?
any idea from the scientific minds? would there be any chance to eliminate such rays?
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the t
I have heard that one interesting thing about these bulbs is that as the manufacturers retain the property rights ( read the small print on the box ) to these bulbs they are the only ones who can claim the carbon credits. Anybody know if this is true....Along with all the publicised warnings about these bulbs and the dreadful narrow spectrum light they put out, I wouldn't be surprised...Smells like another global warming con job to me - especially when the biggest energy using nations apparently wont sign the Kyoto Protocol.
... within 30cm!!! if you are working that close you deserve all you get.
Did you Google it first?
"Justin McCracken, the HPA's chief executive, said the risk of health problems from the energy-saving bulbs was not so high people should get rid of them.
The Lighting Association said it welcomed the caution but added that use of double-envelope bulbs for desk and task lighting was "considered entirely safe".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/oct/10/health-energyefficiency
"Deaths in the Bible. God - 2,270,365
not including the victims of Noah's flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, or the
many plagues, famines, fiery serpents, etc because no specific numbers
were given. Satan - 10."
thanx very much for the peice of information.. have a nice weekend to all..
My dermatologist has been telling me for years to wear sunscreen even if I'm indoors. Guess he's right.
Thanks for the nice and health caring information. Can you elaborate the types and brands so that everyone can take care of it.