Do fluorescent lights emit UVA and UVB?

Do fluorescent lights emit UVA and UVB?

Since CFLs are designed to provide general illumination, the majority of the light emitted by CFLs is localized to the visible region of the spectrum (approximately 400-700 nm in wavelength). In addition, typical CFLs emit a small amount of UVB (280-315 nm), UVA (315-400 nm) and infrared (> 700 nm) radiation.

What do fluorescent lights emit?

As it turns out, all fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury vapor, which emits a lot of UV rays when hit with an electric current. Normally that UV is absorbed by a layer of molecules, called phosphors, on the inside of the bulb and reappears as safe white light.

Does fluorescent light emit radiation?

The compact fluorescent industry says the bulbs are safe but admits they do emit UV rays. In a statement they insist, “the levels of UV radiation emitted are acceptably low” and are safe under normal use.

Are fluorescent lights harmful to your health?

Ultraviolet radiation emitted by fluorescent lighting can increase an individual’s exposure to carcinogenic radiation by 10 to 30 per cent per year, with an associated increased probability of contracting squamous cell carcinoma by 4 percent. Melanoma has been shown to not be affected by CFLs through normal use.

Can you get vitamin D from fluorescent lights?

UV light stimulates the synthesis of vitamin D, which is an essential compound for growth of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases.

Do fluorescent lights affect brain?

There is also evidence that conventional fluorescent lighting can reduce productivity, negatively impact mood, increase mental and physical fatigue and even reduce alertness. And of course, these are even more likely to develop for a person who is already sensitive to light.

Why you shouldn’t use fluorescent lights?

The Bad: Fluorescent tubes & CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury gas (about 4 mg) – which is toxic to our nervous system, lungs and kidneys. So long as bulbs stay intact, the mercury gas is no threat. This means bulbs should be handled properly to avoid breakage.

Does a sad light help with vitamin D?

It is also thought that SAD lamps give your body vitamin D, however it’s the broad-spectrum light emitted from SAD lamps that helps the skin to produce vitamin D. A lack of vitamin D is thought to play a role in SAD.

Can fluorescent lights make you sick?

Fluorescent light-induced symptoms can include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, eye strain, eye fatigue, and increased sensitivity to visual input.

Are fluorescent lights bad for eyes?

Exposure to harsh fluorescent lighting can cause eye strain and blurred vision. The longer you’re exposed to the light, the more likely you’ll experience the problem. Symptoms of eyestrain include sore, burning, watery or dry eyes. Double vision and increased sensitivity to light can also occur.

What kind of radiation does a fluorescent lamp emit?

All fluorescent lamps emit some UV. Typical fluorescent lamps, including CFLs, which consumers would encounter, emit very low levels of UV. In order to measure any UV radiation from these lamps, very sensitive measuring equipment must be used.

Why are compact fluorescent light bulbs emitting UV rays?

In every bulb that researchers tested, they found the protective coating around the phosphor, which creates the light inside the bulb, was cracked, allowing dangerous UV rays to escape. They could not point out why the bulbs were cracking. The compact fluorescent industry says the bulbs are safe but admits they do emit UV rays.

What kind of light does a fluorescent light bulb produce?

Fluorescent bulbs have a simple electric current that rests inside a low-pressure mercury-vapor which does produce ultraviolet light. However, these fluorescent bulbs basically always have a phosphor coating on the inside of the bulb, which, when struck by the light, emits white light.

Are there any light bulbs that emit UV radiation?

The simple answer is yes, some light bulbs do emit UV radiation (thanks Sciencing for the info), but it really depends on what kind of light bulb we’re talking about. Also, I just want to be clear that the UV radiation I’m talking about in this section really has nothing to do with the EMF radiation I’ve been talking about so far in this article.