Rarely, CFLs can Cause Adverse Health Effects

Sensitivity to EMFs, UV Rays, Flickering Create Problems for Some

Oct 26, 2009

Millions have saved energy and money by converting to compact fluorescent bulbs. Yet for a small percentage of the population, CFLs may hurt more than help.

The blogosphere is rife with complaints about the detrimental health effects of CFL bulbs. From migraines to nausea, ADD to autism, people from all walks of life claim that the curly white bulbs are causing adverse physical symptoms. Yet in almost every case, supporters of full-scale conversion to CFLs deny that the energy saving bulbs could be the cause. But do these anecdotal experiences have some scientific 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 phosphor powder. The glass and powder block most of the UV, but all CFLs leak some ultraviolet light.

Even in healthy people, too much UV causes sunburn and even cancer. But for those with light sensitivity, such as Lupus sufferers, even a short exposure to UV rays can cause blurred vision, burning eyes or a severe skin rash.

To prevent the possibility of harm, the U.K. Health Protection Agency recommends using only CFLs with an extra layer of glass covering the twisty tubes inside. This makes them look more like the traditionally shaped bulbs, but also reduces efficiency. Otherwise, the study recommends not using CFL bulbs in reading lamps or other light fixtures any 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 EMF 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 the use of CFLs with a wide range of symptoms, including migraine headaches, burning in the eyes, digestive problems, heart palpitations, immune system problems, diabetes and even multiple sclerosis.

According to Havas, these symptoms, called Electrical Hypersensitivity (EHS), may affect about three percent of the population. So far, however, no research has proven that EMFs from CFLs have an adverse impact on the majority of people.

Does Flicker from CFLs Cause Seizures?

The "old-fashioned" long fluorescent shop lights were known for their unsteady flicker. Lamp manufacturers have greatly improved the technology for the new bulbs. However, some people report suffering from migraines and even the preliminary stages of epileptic seizures that 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...."

The copyright of the article Rarely, CFLs can Cause Adverse Health Effects in Saving Energy is owned by Holly Martin. Permission to republish Rarely, CFLs can Cause Adverse Health Effects in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.