Safety Of Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Questioned
Posted January 21, 2009 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
They save you money and energy – but a British group has warned that compact fluorescent light bulbs might be emitting harmful ultraviolet rays.
The UK Health Protection Agency sounded the alarm back in October. It cautioned that some CFLs should not be used where people are in close proximity – closer than 30 cm or 1 ft – to the bare light bulb for over 1 hour a day.
No recall has been issued, but it’s not the only worry some have about the environmentally-efficient bulbs.
“There are several things wrong with compact fluorescents,” notes Professor Magda Havas, who teaches environmental sciences at Trent University.
“If the bulbs break in your house, you will have very high levels of mercury in the atmosphere…people have headaches, they have difficulty sleeping, they’re tired, and they have body aches and pain.”
But that’s only if they shatter.
“People just need to use common sense with compact fluorescents,” counters Franz Hartmann of the Toronto Environmental Alliance.
“They shouldn’t be sitting too close to them, and if they use common sense, it will be good for the environment and it will save them money.”
One consumer agrees.
“I do trust them,” praises John Teke.
“The benefits certainly outweigh any potential negatives we’ve heard about to date.”
Health Canada isn’t so sure and is conducting its own study into the bulbs. The effects of the UV rays could be similar to prolonged sun exposure. Results are expected by late summer or early fall.
A ban is already in place to eliminate the old style of incandescent bulb by 2012.
UK Health Protection Agency Alert
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How To Safely Dispose Of CFL Bulbs
Drop Off Household Hazardous Waste At Your Local Home Reno Store
