Would you choose to save on your electricity bill if doing so increased your risk of cancer? It sounds like a strange situation that would never occur if you put it that way, but researchers at a university in New York say that has been happening without consumer knowledge.
Energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) have gained popularity among homeowners and businesses aiming to cut electricity costs. However, recent research from Stony Brook University in New York has unveiled concerning findings regarding their safety. The study indicates that CFLs emit significant levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage skin cells and potentially lead to skin cancer with prolonged exposure.
Research Findings
In their experiments, researchers exposed healthy human skin cells to light emitted by CFLs and compared the results with those from traditional incandescent bulbs. The analysis revealed that skin cells subjected to CFL light experienced considerable damage, including cell death. Marcia Simon, a professor of dermatology at Stony Brook University, emphasized the severity of the findings, stating, “The results were that you could actually initiate cell death” in cells exposed to CFL light, whereas those exposed to incandescent bulbs showed no significant harm[1].
The researchers suspect that tiny cracks in the protective coating of CFLs allow harmful UV radiation to escape. This leakage is particularly alarming because UV radiation is a known risk factor for skin conditions, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Dr. Rebecca Tung noted that such exposure could lead to premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer[1][2].
Industry Response
In response to these findings, manufacturers of CFLs have defended their products, asserting that the levels of UV radiation emitted are “acceptably low” and that the bulbs are safe for normal use. They argue that while CFLs do emit some UV rays, the exposure levels are not sufficient to pose a significant health risk under typical usage conditions[1][2].
Broader Implications
The concerns surrounding CFLs are compounded by their mercury content, which poses additional health risks such as nerve damage and birth defects. As a result, many consumers are reconsidering their lighting choices and may opt for LED lights, which offer greater energy efficiency without the associated risks of UV radiation or mercury[1][2].
While CFLs remain a popular choice for energy savings, the emerging evidence regarding their potential health risks highlights the need for consumers to be informed about their lighting options. With ongoing debates between researchers and manufacturers about the safety of these bulbs, individuals may want to explore alternatives like LED lighting, which provides energy efficiency without the drawbacks associated with CFLs.
Full Spectrum Bulbs Considered
I had some but decided there was something I didn’t like about the light from them. Now I know why. I replaced mine a while ago with full spectrum bulbs… but I suppose I should test those for UV. Some full spec bulbs do not emit UV according to this:
All UltraLux light therapy products use “NON UV” full spectrum bulbs. You do not need UV for light therapy. Many companies that only manufacture light therapy devices tell you that all full spectrum fluorescent lights produce UV. This is not a true statement. We are lighting experts and we manufacture eight different lines of full spectrum lighting products. We also manufacture full spectrum UV lamps for the reptile industry. These lamps require special UV phosphors to produce any measurable amounts of UV. We do not put these phosphors in any of our light therapy products.[9]
Perhaps the best course of action is to do your own testing. Here is a meter that might work: UV513AB Digital UVAB Meter for Ultraviolet Light Measurement.
The General Tools UV513AB Digital UV AB Meter is a specialized instrument designed for measuring ultraviolet light in the range of 280 to 400 nanometers (UV AB). This meter is particularly useful for various applications, including UV curing, sterilization, semiconductor fabrication, offset printing, and environmental monitoring.[10][11][12]
Read More
[1] https://www.livescience.com/25999-cfl-uv-radiation-skin.html
[2] https://ec.europa.eu/health/opinions/en/energy-saving-lamps/l-3/5-skin-diseases.htm
[3] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/sun-and-uv/uv-radiation.html
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024001211
[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2868278/
[6] https://publications.iarc.fr/_publications/media/download/4033/c6dbb6ef039134a92cce28b4bfc7ce5d21ad9a8f.pdf
[7] https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/features/uv-radiation.html
[8] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257074361_Compact_Fluorescent_Lamps_and_Risk_of_Skin_Cancer
[9] https://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/pages/full-spectrum-light-explained
[10] https://www.jensentools.com/product/701-068-UV513AB
[11] https://www.alliancemro.com/UV513AB-DIGITAL-UVAB-METER
[12] https://www.testequipmentdepot.com/general-tools-uv513ab-digital-uv-ab-light-meter.html