|  | Cancer | Skin Cancer

Compact Fluorescent Lamps & Skin Cancer

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are more energy-efficient and last longer than household incandescent lamps. However, the United Kingdom Health Protection Agency (UKHPA) has detected ultraviolet radiation (UVR) emissions that warrant safety measures.

  1. Process

    • In CFLs, an electric current stimulates mercury gas to emit UV light. UV light then strikes phosphor powder, which emits visible light.

    Types

    • The two major CFLs are single envelop and double envelope (encapsulated). A single envelop CFL has an exposed coil. A double envelop CFL is shaped like an incandescent bulb. The encased CFL provides UV protection.

    UVR Emissions

    • CFLs emit infrared, visible and UV light. The UKHPA found that sitting closer than an inch to some single envelope CFLs is like being outside on a summer day.

    Skin Cancer Risk

    • Although UVR can cause sunburn, sun damage and skin cancer, CFLs emit very low levels of UVR. Therefore, CFLs pose a very low skin cancer risk. However, individuals who are light-sensitive need to take extra precautions.

    Recommendations

    • The UKHPA has set guidelines to help lower exposure to UVR . Use single envelope CFLs no closer than 1 foot away and use no more than one hour a day. Otherwise, use double envelope CFLs, particularly for light-sensitive individuals.

Skin Cancer - Related Articles