The Dark Side of Energy Saving Light Bulbs
Dreads have been reignited about the harm of energy-saving bulbs after the warning of a group of scientists about cancer-causing chemicals in the bulbs. The research and analysis urge that the bulbs should not remain on for more extended periods, especially near a person’s head, because they emit dangerous materials.
We all know that one effective way to stay safe from sunburn is staying in your home, where we’ll be safe from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. But, unluckily, that’s not true anymore if your house is lit up with wad fluorescent light bulbs. Very recent research published in the paper by the State University of New York at Stony Brook claimed that small defects in the bulbs could emit hazardous UV light, which can harm your skin cells and cause cancer. The fact sheet was published in Photochemistry and Photobiology journal, and all the tests were performed in the university’s lab. Although there are no clear incidents that pinpoint the harms of light bulbs, it’s not unavoidable. Researchers suggest putting the light backside the glass or holding it a few feet back from the bulb.
This has raised questions for compact fluorescent bulbs, which were being recognized for their federal efficiency standards. This research has also made us think about the other big players; Light-emitting diodes, what if they also have health dangers.
The Health protection agency released a warning about energy-saving light bulbs in 2008, stating that these bulbs emit higher levels of UV radiation, and nobody is guiding about their safe use. It recommends as a safety measure that tube-type and spiral energy-saving bulbs should only be used for one hour per day when you are sitting almost 30 cm close to it, for example, a desk lamp. Instead, it would be best if you moved that lamp away from you or shift to globe-style bulbs.
Harms of Mercury and UV-Radiations
Energy-saving bulbs could strongly harm migraine sufferers, as stated by a Department of health. One-energy saving bulb comprises almost 5 mg of mercury, and around 4 tons of mercury vapors are released from it annually in case of its breakage. If a bulb broke, don’t vacuum it up right away because mercury can be spread into the air by the vacuum cleaner. Mercury is considered a very harmful chemical for the ecosystem, humans, and animals.
It is dangerous for our nervous system, brain, liver, and kidneys. Infants, babies, and fetuses are more prone to develop problems with their brain and nervous system because of the massive mercury exposure. Mercury in energy-saving light bulbs can also harm the reproductive system, heart, and immunity and maybe cause emotional instability, tremors, insomnia, memory loss, headache, cancer, neuromuscular changes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Other health damages
It is usually claimed that energy lamps comprise of a tiny amount of mercury, which can’t be dangerous. But the question here arises to which they are comparing and calling it small? Reports have proved that mercury dispersion in the air after the bulb breakage exceeds to the standard safety limits, and very few people know the precautionary measures. Mercury can be easily absorbed by every type of textile-like curtain, carpets, cushions, pillows, etc., which can lead to the spreading of mercury vapors in the air. Similarly, UV-radiations emitted by the energy-saving light bulbs are generally considered dangerous for the eyes and skin. Multiple studies have depicted that UV-rays can lead to skin cancer.
Precautions
The EPA recommends that in case of a bulb breakage everybody including the pets should leave the room, open the windows and use sticky tape with a hard and flat cardboard to pick up the particles and pack them in a plastic bag with a ziplock or in a glass jar with a lid. Dispose of them off and vacuum your carpet. Once the room is wholly clean, you can bring your family in.
Lastly, energy-saving light bulbs, particularly those which exhibit low quality, can cause flickering light. It can be a reason for eye strain, headache, discomfort, epilepsy, low concentration, and sometimes it can lead to severe disorders like Meniere’s disease.