Health Hazards of Energy Saving Bulbs

There has been a push for consumers to switch from traditional incandescent light bulbs to energy-efficient light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) have been the primary choice, because of their long-life, low wattage and significant energy savings. However, there are potential hazards associated with certain types of CFLs. Emissions from open (single envelope or unencapsulated) CFLs have demonstrated significant health risks associated with their use and disposal. Closed CFLs that resemble traditional incandescent light bulbs, as well as the tube strip-lighting fluorescent lights, pose few health risks for domestic or workplace use.

UV-C Radiation Exposure

• Open CFLs emit high levels of UV-C radiation, which is more damaging than UV-A or UV-B radiation. Continual exposure to open CFLs as a result of close-range tasks or desk lighting conditions may cause reddening of the skin, similar to a sunburn. The Health Protection Agency recommends no more than one hour of direct exposure daily if other options for close-range lighting are not available.

Skin Cancer

• A small increase in risk of skin cancer may also occur with exposure to open CFLs in close-range tasks or desk lighting. UV-C radiation exposure causes mutations in DNA that can lead to cancer. Anthony Carr, Director of the Centre for Genome Damage and Stability at Sussex University, warns that CFLs producing UV-C radiation can "even in small amounts, cause DNA damage like a germicidal lamp" used in hospitals to kill bacteria and viruses. Caution is advised when working under open CFL lights if other options for close-range lighting are not available.

Skin Irritation in People with Autoimmune Disorders

• Open CFLs have caused skin irritation in people who suffer from the auto-immune disease lupus, whose condition makes them photosensitive. The risk of sunburn-like reddening is increased with exposure to open CFL lighting. It is recommended that people with a condition that causes photosensitivity switch to different lighting methods to avoid skin irritation or damage.

Mercury Contamination

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency asserts that no mercury is released into the environment when CFL bulbs (regardless of type) are intact or in use. However, all CFLs must be disposed of properly during replacement or due to breakage because of the risk of mercury contamination via skin or airborne transmission. State or local environmental regulatory agencies may permit disposal of used or broken CFLs in the garbage. For safely handling broken CFLs, the EPA advises wearing protective gloves, carefully scooping up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and placing the remnants in a glass jar with a metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag.