Posted on 01/14/2009 4:58:49 AM PST by ButThreeLeftsDo
They can help save money and the environment, but some say energy saving light bulbs are making them sick.
The new compact fluorescent bulbs have become exceedingly more popular over the past few years—they use less energy and last up to 10 times longer. So Connie Hall, of Stacy, also decided to invest in them, too.
But a week later, Hall developed a severe rash on her arm and neck.
"I was kind of horrified really," she said.
Already super sensitive to light, a symptom of her Lupus, Hall also became weak, tired and her blood pressure was high. But doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong until a light bulb went off.
"When the doctor walked in I said, ‘Do you think it has anything to do with the energy saving light bulbs I’m using,’" said Hall.
Her doctor says that's exactly the case. The ultraviolet rays emitted from the bulbs were making Hall even more sick, and researchers agree the bulbs can not only effect those with Lupus, but also those who suffer from epilepsy or migraine headaches.
"We think when the ultraviolet light hits the skin, it causes inflammation that can trigger a flare up of the entire illness. So it really can be a really big problem for Lupus patients," explained Dr. Daniel Mueller with the University of Minnesota.
Hall has since she replaced the new bulbs with conventional ones, but she now wants to warn others with a similar condition.
"There are other people who are being exposed to this light and have no clue because there's no warning label on the packaging at all," she said.
The Lupus Foundation has recently started lobbying Congress to require warning labels on the energy saving light bulbs. In the meantime, doctors say an easy fix would be to use a light fixture cover or a lampshade.
Didn't last a year......
I switched all my bulbs...They do last longer and I enjoy the flourescent light...which I have used for years in my drafting work. There was also a substantial savings on my electric bill.
Can she sue AlGore?
I have switched out to the CFLs in some areas, like the workshop or hallways. They really are wonderful in how much money you save on energy and replacement.
But in other areas, where the quality of the light is important, I am still willing to pay extra to get full spectrum incandescent lighting.
be careful - if you break one, Im told there is mercury vapor inside - have heard stories about rooms being contaminated
I can’t stand fluorescent bulbs. Their light is cold and depressing, while incandescent light is warm.
Even a brief exposure to UV light causes DNA damage. Most of us have DNA repair enzymes that fix the damage right away. However, there are kids born with a defective DNA repair enzyme that leaves them completely unable to repair UV caused DNA damage. Usually the condition is discovered the first time the parents take the kid outside, and the sunlight causes welts on their skin that never go away. I’ve seen pictures of these kids, 8, 9, 10 years old, covered with welts that they got from a single sun exposure as babies. The only way to prevent further damage is to keep these kids indoors, away from UV light. Unfortunately, if the fluorescent bulbs put out UV light, and they are made mandatory, these kids don’t have a lot of options for avoiding UV light.
They may be cost efficient, energy saving - yeah, whatever. They make a lot of us sick.
They use less energy but they do not last longer. As a matter of fact several (5 each) failed within 8 to 14 months. Wrote the manufacturer (made in China as I understand they all are) and they said that the bulbs were not made to be used where they were turned off and on on a regular basis. And do not use with ceiling fans.
Since they will be the only bulbs available in a few years what does one do with their present lighting have to replace it all?
I have MS and have noticed that many people on MS boards complain about problems with fluorescent lighting. Some even avoid stores w/fluorescent lighting, as it throws their proprioception for a loop. It has something to do with the strobe effect (which to most folks is not perceivable) but if you’re relying on your eyes for proprioception, any variation in lighting can throw you off.
I’m wondering if the smaller CFL bulbs have the same “strobe” effect?
I put these bulbs in the house everywhere. They do not last long. Many take too long to get to full power. I have removed and rid myself of all of them. I was one who had headaches from them.
I have bought tons of the real light bulbs. Good riddance. All this new lightbulb BS is just a way to pad the pockets of GE.
How do we dispose of the ones that have stopped working? Since they are full of toxic material?
My wife is the director of a preschool that recently underwent a major renovation. One of her teachers has been complaining of headaches since they moved into the new space. The old space had fluorescent lighting, as does the new space. Is there a difference in the bulbs? I have no doubt she’s right about what’s causing her headaches, but curious as to what they might have changed to cause problems now but not last year?
I don’t know much about fluorescent lighting other than that there are many kinds and makes of the tubes. Have you found one that’s better, or worse, than others.
Many thanks!
My understanding is that LED bulbs will be available in a couple of years or less and will replace CFL’s as the light source of choice. You can buy them now but they are pretty costly, one article said it could cost $100 or so to replace the lighting in a single room. Maybe someone around here knows more about this than I do. I know just enough to be dangerous!
BS......It has been my experience that they don't last nearly as long.............
That's why liberals love them so much. They are just like them.............
When I go into stores that use florescent lighting, I feel light-headed and ill at ease. I did buy a nice green cfl for outside lighting. I don’t have to actually see it, so no problem. I’m curious to see how long it lasts. It’s a green bulb, 12 watts. Puts out pretty good amount of light.
No, they can't. I've had CFLs in my house that didn't last 1/10th the time they claimed it would or the ballasts burned and, potentially, could have set the house on fire if we hadn't spotted it first. In addition, if you drop one and break it, you have to pay HazMat charges of up tp $2000.00 to have the mercury cleaned up.
There is another issue looming that has yet to be discussed - when these CFLs start ending up in landfills.
Starting in 2012 (I think), you will not be able to buy an incandescent bulb anymore (stock up!). After that, be prepared for CFLs to become much more expensive and, if Congress has its way (once they figure out the toxic issues of CFLs) we will probably have to register our CFLs to keep them out of landfills and force us all to pay exhorbitant recycling fees. It's coming, folks!
AND if it's in a very cold place, like a shed or back porch, ferget it! They won't come on at all!............
If your wife and her staff are having light induced headaches and it's not sunlight (I get those too. Darn these Irish eyes), have her consider looking up Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome and the Irlen Institute. It didn't surface as an issue until fluorescent lights became the norm as a lighting source. I was diagnosed at 22 and I will swear on a stack of Bibles with a Rosary in my hand that it's real. There are those who doubt it, but it's a real thing and what causes it is being ambidextrous. It's true. Both sides of the brain are competing for the same information and it short circuits and slows down the information getting to the message center. It's rather fascinating, actually.
I've found that the fluorescent lights that give off a green or yellow hue are worse for me. Even yellow walls are a problem. What the difference is in your wife's case, I couldn't say, but if the incandescent bulb is really outlawed, I will invest in lamp oil. I'm just not doing it.
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