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CFL Light Bulbs & Migraines

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are becoming a common alternative to the more traditional incandescent bulbs. They are superior in several ways and can help save energy when used throughout a building, but they also come with their own share of risks. Critics of CFL bulbs list migraines and possible seizures as a result of the light that the bulbs produce.

  1. CFLs

    • CFLs are designed to take the place of more common incandescent bulbs by spiraling around in a shape similar to the older bulbs and using bases that can fit in many incandescent devices. CFL bulbs use a gas and chemical coating that glow when an electrical current is run through them. It is the light they produce that has been pinpointed as a possible cause for migraines.

    Fluorescent Flickering

    • Fluorescent lights typically use either 60- or 120-hertz cycles to power their creation of light. The lower version of hertz is often slow enough to be discernible to the human eye, and looks like a low, constant flickering in the light itself. This does not mean something is wrong with the light, and the bulb will continue to produce the flicker throughout its life.

    Effective on the Eyes

    • The flickering caused by some fluorescent lights can make it difficult for eyes to keep focused. Eyes have cells that activate when hit by light, and to pick up flickers these cells must activate constantly, often with little opportunity to rest and clean the waste they produce. This produces a large amount of eyestrain in some people and can lead to migraines or damage to the eyes of those who already have eye problems.

    Anecdotal Evidence

    • Most of the evidence concerning migraines and CFL bulbs is anecdotal and not the result of an official study. The Migraine Action Association, for instance, has not studied the effect and is not aware of any scientific evidence backing it up. Bulb manufacturers likewise claim that their bulbs are not responsible for migraines.

    Other Possible Causes

    • Sometimes the environments that fluorescent lights are used in can help cause migraines. For instance, fluorescent lights are often used in offices where workers spend long periods of time looking at computer screens. These screens may be as responsible for the migraines as the fluorescent lights, making it difficult to pinpoint any specific cause without in-depth scientific study.

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