The Dark Side of Energy Saving Light Bulbs

The headache and strange burning sensation in my forehead greatly interfered with my work and I wondered what had caused them. I know I had put in a long day at the computer in my home office; but, I had put in long days before without experiencing those symptoms. As I pondered the cause, the thought of the new energy saving light bulbs I was using suddenly came to mind though I had not previously suspected that they could cause any harm. I immediately turned the lamp off and decided that I would learn if compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)were somehow unsafe. My search began with questions such as, "Are energy saving light bulbs harmful?" It didn't take long for that initial thought of suspicion to be confirmed as I discovered that these bulbs emit electromagnetic and ultraviolet radiation, and that was not the end of the dismal news.

Harm by Electromagnetic and Ultraviolet Radiation from Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Health Canada has reported that the electromagnetic field and ultraviolet radiation levels to which someone is exposed when burning energy saving light bulbs are "potentially harmful" and the British Health Protection Agency (HPA) has also declared that the emission of ultraviolet radiation by compact fluorescent light bulbs sometimes exceeds "acceptable safely levels." Does this mean that these bulbs should be rejected and replaced with the time-tested and safe incandescent bulbs? Government allowed lead-based paint, asbestos in building materials, and many other practices that were not considered harmful until after many people had fallen sick--or died from exposure to a substance or product containing a harmful substance.

Some argue that the electromagnetic and ultraviolet radiation emitted by energy saving light bulbs is so low that they don't present any real health risk to anyone unless that individual is particularly sensitive to the light or in a weakened state of health. However, the "insignificant" levels of radiation emitted by the constant use of cellular phones, microwave ovens, wireless networks, and computers add up to be very significant--and very harmful. It only makes good sense to do all in one's power to avoid unnecessary exposure to harmful products. Cell phones don't have to be used constantly, microwave ovens don't have to be used at all, usage of wireless networks can be kept to a minimum, radiation protection screens for computers can be used, and energy saving light bulbs can be replaced by the good "old fashioned" incandescent bulbs. There is, however, some protection against radiation when using compact fluorescent light bulbs that are encapsulated.

Signs and Symptoms of Health Problems

Some government agencies have issued precautions regarding the use of energy saving light bulbs. They advise not being exposed to their light at a range closer than one foot away for prolonged periods of time. The lamp in my office hung more than three feet above my head; so, I don't exactly trust that there's safety in those precautions. Some of the signs and symptoms that have appeared in many people who've switched to compact fluorescent light bulbs, particularly for office work, include: headaches, skin irritation, eye problems, insomnia, ringing in the ears, nausea, dizziness, memory problems, and even heart problems. The headaches and burning sensation in my forehead disappeared after returning to incandescent light; many others who've experienced the dark side of the "green" energy saving light bulbs have similar testimonies.

Sources:

Eric Bonnici
Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Unscrewed (Part 2): CFLs Emit Radiation
RenewableEnergyGeek.ca

Prevent Disease.com Writers
Think Twice Before You Buy Energy Saving Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
PreventDisease.com