HPA : Precautionary Advice for users of Unencapulated CFLs

The UK's Health Protection Agency (HPA) has conducted research into the levels of ultraviolet light produced by compact fluorescent lamps and found that some energy saving compact fluorescent lights can emit ultraviolet radiation at levels that, under certain conditions of use, can result in exposures higher than guideline levels.

As a precautionary step the HPA has advised householders that unencapsulated CFLs (recognised by their thin spiral or angular tubes) should not be used within 1 foot (30cm) of the user for more than 1 hour.

Encapsulated CFLs and larger long tube "strip lighting" commonly used in offices, do not produce significant quantities of ultraviolet and can be used on ceilings without any special precautionary measures.



The Agency's Chief Executive Justin McCracken said, "This is precautionary advice and people should not be thinking of removing these energy saving light bulbs from their homes. We are advising people to avoid using the open light bulbs for prolonged close work until the problem is sorted out and to use encapsulated bulbs instead. In other situations where people are not likely to be very close to the bulbs for any length of time, all types of compact fluorescent light bulbs are safe to use."

The Ban The Bulb campaigns has always called for evidence-based medical and specialist exemptions to any ban of inefficient incandescent light bulbs and welcomes the HPA's research and their sensible and pragmatic precautionary advice.

It is to be hoped that the manufacturers and EU will act the HPA's advice in terms of improving the design of unencapsulated CFLs.

It is also to be hoped that forthcoming EU legislation will promote the accelerated uptake of encapsulated CFLs and LED alternatives that offer a broad spectrum of visible light, dimmability and better energy efficiency but are currently more expensive than CFLs.

The Ban The Bulb campaign feels that light sensitive people suffering from Lupus and other similar conditions should be offered a medical exemption allowing them to continue using incandescent light bulbs or preferably to access subsidised LEDs which are far more energy efficient than traditional light bulbs.


News coverage:

The Guardian
BBC News Online
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Mail

note: The HPA's precautionary advice says encapsulated CFLs and long tubes are perfectly save to use and does not conclude that CFLs cause cancer or should stop being used by anyone who is not light sensitive.

LEDs are a much better solution than so called "high efficiency" incandescents which use twice as much electricity as CFLs and are currently being promoted by light bulb manufacturers, as a way of protecting their investments in existing factories.

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HPA Press release : 9 October 2008

Emissions from compact fluorescent lights

New research by the Health Protection Agency has shown that some energy saving compact fluorescent lights can emit ultraviolet radiation at levels that, under certain conditions of use, can result in exposures higher than guideline levels. The Agency and Government Departments are calling on the European Union, relevant product standards bodies and the lighting industry to consider how product standards for lights can be tightened up.

Given its research findings, the Agency is recommending some precautionary measures for the use of certain types of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). The Agency's view is that open (single envelope) CFLs shown in Fig. 1 should not be used where people are in close proximity - closer than 30 cm or 1 ft - to the bare light bulb for over 1 hour a day. The Agency advises that for such situations open CFLs should be replaced by the encapsulated (double envelope) type shown in Fig. 2. Alternatively, the lamp should be moved so that it is at least 30 cm or 1 ft away.

The Agency's Chief Executive Justin McCracken said, "This is precautionary advice and people should not be thinking of removing these energy saving light bulbs from their homes. We are advising people to avoid using the open light bulbs for prolonged close work until the problem is sorted out and to use encapsulated bulbs instead. In other situations where people are not likely to be very close to the bulbs for any length of time, all types of compact fluorescent light bulbs are safe to use."

Not all open (single envelope) fluorescent light bulbs have significant UVR emissions but if people are in very close proximity to some of them, the exposure to bare skin is like being outside in direct sunlight. For example, Agency scientists found that when very close (2 cm, less than 1 inch) to some open CFLs, the UVR level can be equivalent to that experienced outside in the UK on a sunny day in the summer and so some precaution is warranted. When further away (over 30 cm or 1 ft), the UVR level is much lower and less than being outside on a sunny day in winter, which is not a concern.

Encapsulated (double envelope) compact fluorescent light bulbs (see Fig. 2), which look similar to traditional domestic light bulbs, do not emit significant amounts of UVR. The larger long tube "strip lighting" design fluorescent lights, commonly used in offices, workplaces and homes for many years, can also be used on ceilings without any special precautionary measures.

The precautionary advice from the Agency is interim advice. The Agency's study has stimulated research into the problem by others and the Agency may issue further advice when more information is available. As a result of the Agency's work the Government is pressing the EU to take account of the findings in future European legislation.

Exposure to UVR can cause particular problems for people suffering from some medical conditions, including Lupus. The Agency, Government and the lighting industry have met with patient groups to give advice on the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs and the availability of new technologies for low energy lighting. In addition, the Agency's work has been taken into account by an EC scientific committee looking into the issue of light sensitivity. This committee published its opinion last Friday, 3 October 2008.

Press Enquiries: Contact the HPA Chilton Press Office on (01235) 822744 / 822745 / 822876 / 822737.

E-mail: chilton.pressoffice@hpa.org.uk


Precautionary advice: Energy saving compact fluorescent lights

This factsheet provides some precautionary advice about the use of compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) in the home.

CFLs and ultraviolet radiation

The Health Protection Agency has carried out research which shows that some energy saving light bulbs emit ultraviolet radiation which could, under certain conditions, expose people above recommended guideline levels.

As an interim precautionary measure, until the problem has been solved, the Agency is advising that some types should not be used closer than 30cm (1 ft) for long periods of time.

If you have energy saving compact fluorescent lights in your home you don’t need to worry unless you are using a lamp containing one of the open (single envelope) bulbs shown in figure 1 closer to your skin than 30cm (1 ft) for more than an hour a day.

If you do need a lamp this close for a prolonged period then we suggest you change the bulb and use a low energy bulb of the encapsulated (double envelope) type shown in figure 2.

Alternatively, simply move the lamp until it is at least 30cm (1 ft) away.

Both types of bulb are fine for any use further away than 30cm (1 ft).

This is precautionary advice and people should not be thinking of removing these energy saving
light bulbs from their homes. For both children and adults 30cm (1 ft) is a safe distance from the compact fluorescent light bulb.

Light sensitivity

People who suffer from Lupus and other light sensitive conditions may be specifically affected by the emissions from compact fluorescent lights. They have to be very careful about their exposure to sunlight, so also need to be cautious about their use of compactFigure 1. Open bulb Figure 2. Encapsulated bulb

Labels: HPA, light sensitive, lupus, medical exemption, ultraviolet, UV