Fluorescent Light Hazards

Fluorescent lighting may save energy, but it also has risks.

As states move to ban the use and sale of incandescent light bulbs in an effort to save energy, others fear the effects of the increased use of fluorescent lighting. It is against the law to discard bulbs in landfills. Once available only for specialized fixtures, the compact fluorescent bulb makes it possible to use them in common lamps. CFLs are not the only form of fluorescent lights. There are also the traditional tubes and the new "daylight" lamps. If you are considering using fluorescent lighting, there are a number of factors and risks to consider.

Mercury

Mercury is toxic to all life forms. According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association or NEMA, there is typically less than 5 milligrams of mercury per bulb. However, a 2007 California Assembly Bill in 2007 stated fluorescent lighting products have "widely varying levels of mercury." Even 5 milligrams, according to a Stanford University report, is enough to contaminate up to 6,000 gallons of water beyond safe drinking levels.

Full-Spectrum Fluorescent

Often advertised as daylight lamps, these lights emit enhanced levels ultraviolet light. They have a correlated color temperature of 5000 Kelvin or higher and a color rendering index of 90 or higher. The American Psychiatric Association endorses the lamps to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder. The bright light is thought to affect the brain chemicals linked to mood. Unfortunately, the "blue light" wavelengths are dangerous to the retinas of people who are 55 or older, diabetic or have a pre-existing ocular conditions. Use of medications such as antidepressants, antibiotics, diuretics, heart medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) is also dangerous if you are using blue light lamps.

Headaches

Working around the ballasted long-tube fluorescent bulbs traditionally found in offices and factories can cause headaches due to the flicker rates. According to the Daily Green, the human brain can detect the 60 cycles per second that older bulbs need to refresh themselves to keep putting out light. While some people continue to complain of eyestrain with the CFLs, scientists claim there is no data to support their claims. Modern CFLs refresh themselves too quickly for the brain to detect--between 10,000 and 40,000 cycles per second.

Environment

If a tube or CFL breaks, you release mercury vapor into the air. The tubes also release lead powder. Exercise caution when removing either type of bulb. It is against the law to discard fluorescent bulbs in California, Maine, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Ohio, Vermont or Massachusetts in a landfill. Recycling is the only safe environmental option for disposal of fluorescent bulbs. Unfortunately, most localities have few recycling centers that accept the lights. To solve the problem, the manufacturers joined together to create a website called lamprecycle.org. It also includes facts and laws for homeowners and businesses on how to handle breaks.

References

• Environmental Protection Agency: Don't Be Left In The Dark
• Penn State: The Hazards Of Use and Disposal of Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
• MSNBC: Shining A Light On Hazards Of Fluorescent Bulbs
• National Electrical Manufacturers Association: NEMA Supplies Industry Perspective On CFL Issue To Evening News Feature (Pg 16)
• American Psychiatric Association: Seasonal Affective Disorder
• The Daily Green: Do CFLs Cause Headaches?

Resources

• Lamp Recycle Website
• EPA: What to Do If A CFL Light Bulb Breaks in Your Home: Detailed Recommendations
• Environmental Protection Agency: Mercury
• EPA: Proper Maintenance, Removal, and Disposal of PCB-Containing Fluorescent Light Ballasts
• Energy Star: Information on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Mercury
• Earth 911: CFL Recycling Centers