Concerns Continue Regarding Energy Saving Fluorescent Lights
In January this year, Unionsafety highlighted the health risks arou8nd disposal of domestic long life lightbulbs.
Now, further research undertaken by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has shown that some energy saving light bulbs emit levels of ultraviolet radiation which, under certain conditions of use, could expose people above recommended guideline levels.
Exposure to UVR can cause particular problems for people suffering from some medical conditions, including Lupus.
The Agency, Government and the lighting industry have met with patient groups to give advice on the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs and the availability of new technologies for low energy lighting. In addition, the Agency's work has been taken into account by an EC scientific committee looking into the issue of light sensitivity.
As a result, the HPA and Government departments, including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), are calling on the EU, relevant product standards bodies and the lighting industry to consider how product standards for lights can be improved.
Given its research findings, the Agency is also recommending some precautionary measures for the use of certain types of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Its view is that open CFLs (known as the “single envelope” type) should not be used where people are in close proximity — closer than 30cm or one foot — to the bare light bulb for over one hour a day.
The Agency advises that for such situations, open CFLs should be replaced by the encapsulated CFLs (known as “double envelope” types).
Alternatively, the lamp should be moved so that it is at least 30cm or one foot away.
Commenting on the findings, the HPA's Chief Executive Justin McCracken said, “This is precautionary advice and people should not be thinking of removing these energy saving light bulbs from their homes. We are advising people to avoid using the open light bulbs for prolonged close work until the problem is sorted out and to use encapsulated bulbs instead.”
He added, “In other situations where people are not likely to be very close to the bulbs for any length of time, all types of compact fluorescent light bulbs are safe to use.”
For further information on the light bulbs, including illustrations of the two types, see here
