The blogosphere is rife with complaints about the detrimental health effects of CFL bulbs. From migraines to nausea, ADD to autism, many claim that the curly bulbs are causing adverse physical symptoms. Yet in almost every case, supporters of full-scale conversion to CFLs deny that they could be the cause. But do these anecdotal experiences have some basis in fact?
Do UV Rays from CFLs Cause Skin Damage?
CFLs work by creating an electric arc inside a gas-filled glass tube. Atoms in the gas react to this flow of electricity by giving off light in the ultraviolet range.
To convert the UV rays to visible light, the glass tubes are coated inside with a white fluorescing powder. The glass and powder contain most of the rays, but all CFLs leak some ultraviolet light.
For healthy people, too much UV causes sunburn or even cancer. But for those with light sensitivity, such as Lupus sufferers, even a short exposure to these rays can cause blurred vision, burning eyes or a severe skin rash.
To prevent harm, the U.K. Health Protection Agency recommends using only CFLs with a layer of glass covering the twisty tubes. This blocks more of the UV rays, but also reduces efficiency. Otherwise, the study recommends not using CFLs in reading lamps or other light fixtures closer than one foot away for more than one hour.
Do EMFs from CFLs Cause Migraines?
Like cell phones and laptops, CFLs give off electro-magnetic fields (EMFs). Many studies have been done on the health effects of EMFs, and most report that the levels given off by consumer electronics, wireless networks and power lines are within a safe range.
However, Professor Magda Havas, of Trent University in Toronto, in a report to the SCENIHR, says that CFLs give off EMFs in the intermediate radio frequency range of around 100 kHz. Dr. Havas connects these EMFs with many symptoms, including migraine headaches, burning eyes, digestive problems, heart palpitations, immune system disorders, diabetes and even multiple sclerosis.
According to Havas, this Electrical Hypersensitivity (EHS), may affect about three percent of the population. So far, however, no research has proven that EMFs from CFLs impact the majority of people.
Does Flicker from CFLs Cause Seizures?
The "old-fashioned" fluorescent shop lights were known for their unsteady flicker. CFL manufacturers have greatly improved the technology. However, some people report that migraines and even the preliminary stages of epileptic seizures might be triggered by the ultra-fast flashes from CFLs.
Epilepsy Action noted that CFLs may have caused adverse symptoms in a small number of their members. British Health Minister Ivan Lewis said, "It is known some people with epilepsy may be affected by energy saving light bulbs."
The New York Times quoted EU Parliament member Martin Callanan, who said, "the blanket ban [on incandescent bulbs] could spell misery for thousands of epilepsy and anxiety sufferers...."
For more information, see The Downside to CFLs. If you are concerned about CFLs affecting your own health, see Energy Efficient Alternatives to CFLs.
Holly Martin - Holly B. Martin's blog, www.scienceshift.com explores the world of science beyond the fringe.
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