Are fluorescent lights killing me? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

neddy65 · 03-10-2007, 05:42 AM

Ever since I installed CFL's in my house i have felt unwell. The light is too bright and hurts my head. Could it be that they are robbing me of a happy life?

MSD · 03-10-2007, 06:13 AM

Fluorescent lights emit a narrower spectrum of visible light than incandescents and can produce symptoms similar to seasonal affective disorder. Additionally, certain ballasts cause a 60hz flicker (50hz in Europe) which can trigger migraines or casue eyestrain; I know they can for me. Certain lights can also emit a high pitched whine on the edge of the audible spectrum, similar to the sound of a CRT's flyback transformer. This sound makes me feel sick to my stomach and makes my mind feel clouded and less sharp than usual.

As for health effects,

Quote:

Photochem Photobiol 1995 Apr;61(4):353-9 Related Articles, Links

Reversion profiles of coolwhite fluorescent light compared with far ultraviolet light: homologies and differences.

Cebula TA, Henrikson EN, Hartman PE, Biggley WH.

Molecular Biology Branch (HFS-235), CFSAN, FDA, Washington, DC 20204, USA.

General Electric and Sylvania 15 W coolwhite fluorescent lamps emit roughly 6% of their total irradiance as light in the UV spectrum. Illumination of sensitive Salmonella tester strains results in both lethal and mutagenic activities. In contrast, comparable Philips lamps emit lower levels of UV light, especially UVB, and exhibit no detectable lethal or mutagenic effects. The spectra of mutations induced by General Electric coolwhite lamps in histidine-requiring base substitution mutants hisG46 and hisG428 ("reversion profiles") resemble mutagenesis by far UV light (UVC) and differ quite markedly from the spectra of mutations that occur spontaneously. Coolwhite and UVC reversion profiles are not identical, however. The percentage of C to A transversion mutations induced in hisG46 are elevated over those found after UVC treatment, and a strong bias for one particular class of tandem base substitutions (TAA-->TGT) prevails after treatment of hisG428 with coolwhite light, a bias not observed with UVC. Increased attention needs to be given to minimization of exposure to UV light from fluorescent lamps commonly used in homes and workplaces.

Unless you're a strain of bacteria, you should be fine as far as negative effects from the lights themselves.

alkaloid · 04-03-2007, 01:40 PM

neddy65,

If I were you and felt that way, I would change my light bulb right away. Actually probably not. I'm too lazy. I would feel bad about it for a couple of months and change it then, when I could no longer stand it. Then it would be too late, since I would be too weak due to exposure to the life-sapping light bulb.

Best wishes.

snicka · 04-05-2007, 02:40 PM

I tried CFL's in my house but they hurt my head for the reasons specified by MrSelfDestruct. So popped them out and got a bunch of the natural light incandescents. They burn more energy but don't suck as bad as CFL. I can't wait for CFL to be required by law!

gotekix · 04-05-2007, 03:18 PM

Flourescents have always made me feel sick. If I'm in a room with them for too long (more than 3 hours) I begin to get a headache and feel nauseous.

If I were you I'd change them out immediately for incandescent bulbs. No point in keeping them if you are feeling unwell, even if it costs a bit more on the electic bill.

SaltPork · 04-09-2007, 10:48 AM

What MSD said...happens to me too. Those lights aren't killing you, they just don't like you.

Willravel · 04-09-2007, 10:55 AM

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal.../266724a0.html
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/art...2434&tools=bot

It may very well be dangerous, but everything is dangerous. Cell phones may cause cancer, magnetic field may cause cancer, starlight may cause cancer, vaccines may cause cancer, viruses may cause cancer, mouthwash might cause cancer, and yes, even Willravel might cause cancer.

hunnychile · 04-12-2007, 04:47 PM

When I worked in the HR department at a large sales & marketing firm in N. CA. I was told to gather info in regard to this very subject. More data was found that said the majority of full time workers "seemed" to feel better when exposed to incandescent light. It appears that workers complained less about headaches and lethargy. That said...if you feel the flourescent lights are making you sick - then they probably are.

Have you done any serious online reasearch or are you waiting for us to share our data & research with you?

Change your lights and let us know how you are feeling after, say, 6 weeks or more. /Bet you're going to feel somewhat better/

Push-Pull · 04-16-2007, 07:15 AM

I know that in the "tube" type flourescents, they have a lot of variety as far as what kind of light. For example, I have some "daylights" on one side of my workshop, and some "regular" (cheapies) on the other. The "daylight" side is MUCH easier to see into darker corners and is more akin to having a skylight above rather than flourescents.

MSD · 06-02-2007, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willravel

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal.../266724a0.html
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/art...2434&tools=bot

It may very well be dangerous, but everything is dangerous. Cell phones may cause cancer, magnetic field may cause cancer, starlight may cause cancer, vaccines may cause cancer, viruses may cause cancer, mouthwash might cause cancer, and yes, even Willravel might cause cancer.

Fluorescent light is non-ionizing radiation. Cell phone signals are non-ionizing radiation. Wi-Fi radio is non-ionizing radiation. Magnets have a negligible effect on the human body. starlight is non-ionizing radiation. Vaccines may cause cancer but no causal correlation has been demonstrated yet. Some viruses do cause cancer. Mouthwash, left in place for long enough, may cause cancer. You are a mad scientist and therefore the arbitrator of who gets and does not get cancer from you.

Nimetic · 06-06-2007, 02:53 AM

You could drape your head with a tea-towel - or small blanket. That should help.

mr_alleycat · 06-08-2007, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSelfDestruct

Fluorescent lights emit a narrower spectrum of visible light than incandescents and can produce symptoms similar to seasonal affective disorder. Additionally, certain ballasts cause a 60hz flicker (50hz in Europe) which can trigger migraines or casue eyestrain; I know they can for me. Certain lights can also emit a high pitched whine on the edge of the audible spectrum, similar to the sound of a CRT's flyback transformer. This sound makes me feel sick to my stomach and makes my mind feel clouded and less sharp than usual.

OMG!
That explains it

Plan9 · 06-10-2007, 06:31 AM

Not you, per se... but the environment.

They have a ton of mercury in them, I think.

silver lining · 07-31-2009, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neddy65

Ever since I installed CFL's in my house i have felt unwell. The light is too bright and hurts my head. Could it be that they are robbing me of a happy life?

I actually had horrible headaches from the fluorescent lights in my office above my desk. I'd have to go home early a few days a week. I did a bunch of research and found out that diffusers might help headaches, if you can diffuse the brightness of the fluorescents. I got a couple for my office and it actually did a good job of reducing the headaches. Maybe they could help you too. You can google it.....I think the ones I have are skypanels or something.

Hope this helps you! Good luck!

vanblah · 07-31-2009, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crompsin

Not you, per se... but the environment.

They have a ton of mercury in them, I think.

According to this article: http://web.archive.org/web/200511030...tsheet-cfl.pdf

the amount of mercury is about 4mg.

MSD · 07-31-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crompsin

Not you, per se... but the environment.

They have a ton of mercury in them, I think.

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partner...et_Mercury.pdf

Even if dumped in a landfill, by virtue of lower power consumption a CFL will keep approximately 4mg of mercury out of the air that would be released by burning the coal to cover the extra 47w an incandescent bulb would require for the same light output. Ikea will take your old CFLs and recycle them for free, meaning zero mercury released.

tenchi069 · 08-02-2009, 06:26 AM

try indirect lighting, such as a "candlestick" floor lamp with an opaque shade to force the light up and reflecting from ceiling/walls.

Sun Tzu · 08-03-2009, 12:50 PM

They kill germs, molds, and viruses many hospitals use them for those reasons.

JumpinJesus · 08-03-2009, 03:29 PM

Probably. Your best bet is to bust them with a hammer or something and then throw them in the trash.

genuinegirly · 08-03-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sun Tzu

They kill germs, molds, and viruses many hospitals use them for those reasons.

I'm curious where you get this idea.

UV bulbs do have these properties, but are an entirely different specialized makeup. They are used in cleanrooms and other environments that need to be cleared of foreign DNA for short 30-minute bursts. They're also used in water filtration systems.

Sun Tzu · 08-04-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genuinegirly

I'm curious where you get this idea.

UV bulbs do have these properties, but are an entirely different specialized makeup. They are used in cleanrooms and other environments that need to be cleared of foreign DNA for short 30-minute bursts. They're also used in water filtration systems.

Its not hard to find.

cellophanedeity · 08-05-2009, 05:51 AM

It's possible, but we're not sure yet.

Health Canada testing compact fluorescent bulbs for harmful radiation

Quote:

Health Canada says it is testing compact fluorescent bulbs to measure potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation and electromagnetic-field exposure levels.

It reportedly started the tests in December, and preliminary results are expected by late summer or early fall, Health Canada spokesman Philippe Laroche said Wednesday.

"Even though the bulk of scientific studies to date have not identified any health-related issues, Health Canada has decided to test the bulbs to acquire reliable technical data," said Laroche. "If the tests establish that there are reasons for concern, actions will be taken to force manufacturers to correct the situation."

The move follows a warning from British health officials over some types of compact fluorescent bulbs.

The United Kingdom's Health Protection Agency said in October that open, or "single envelope," bulbs — which have a corkscrew-like or tube-like design — can emit ultraviolet radiation at levels that can result in exposures to UV radiation similar to exposing bare skin to direct sunlight.

The agency recommends the bulbs not be used in areas where people spend more than an hour a day within 30 cm of the bare light bulb.

However, it said its research showed encapsulated, or "double envelope," compact fluorescent bulbs — which look similar to traditional light bulbs — do not emit significant amounts of UV radiation.

The larger long tube strip lighting fluorescent lights, commonly used in offices, workplaces and homes for many years, can also be safely used.

"This is precautionary advice and people should not be thinking of removing these energy-saving light bulbs from their homes," the U.K. agency's chief executive, Justin McCracken, said. "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."

British health officials with the agency also warned the open bulbs could cause problems for people suffering from medical conditions like lupus.

Replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs has been touted worldwide as an energy saving measure and a way to cut back on emissions of greenhouses gases. The federal government has mandated that all incandescent bulbs be eliminated by 2012.

So you'll need to use the lights that are on the outsides of this picture rather than the corkscrew style CFLs.

ngdawg · 08-08-2009, 08:14 PM

Do yourself a huge favor and get rid of them. They can trigger migraines, contain mercury and can be defective. I had one of those blow and catch fire earlier this year.
And not one of them lasted any longer than a normal lightbulb. If you want to save energy and thusly, money, get yourself LED's.

JJ, I assume that was in jest. In addition to releasing the mercury by smashing the bulb with a hammer, the glass splinters worse than an incandescent. They are supposed to be disposed of as you would hazardous materials.

03-10-2007, 05:42 AM	#1 (permalink)
neddy65 Loves green eggs and ham Location: I'm just sittin' here watching the world go round and round	Are fluorescent lights killing me? Ever since I installed CFL's in my house i have felt unwell. The light is too bright and hurts my head. Could it be that they are robbing me of a happy life? __________________ If you're travelling at the speed of light, and you turn the headlights on, do they do anything? My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die! Drink Dickens' Hard Cider because nothing makes a girl smile like a Hard DIckens' Cider!

04-09-2007, 10:48 AM	#6 (permalink)
SaltPork Everything's better with bacon Location: In your local grocer's freezer.	What MSD said...happens to me too. Those lights aren't killing you, they just don't like you. __________________ It was like that when I got here....I swear.

04-09-2007, 10:55 AM	#7 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	http://www.nature.com/nature/journal.../266724a0.html http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/art...2434&tools=bot It may very well be dangerous, but everything is dangerous. Cell phones may cause cancer, magnetic field may cause cancer, starlight may cause cancer, vaccines may cause cancer, viruses may cause cancer, mouthwash might cause cancer, and yes, even Willravel might cause cancer. Last edited by Willravel; 04-09-2007 at 10:57 AM..

04-12-2007, 04:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
hunnychile Alien Anthropologist Location: Between Boredom and Nirvana	When I worked in the HR department at a large sales & marketing firm in N. CA. I was told to gather info in regard to this very subject. More data was found that said the majority of full time workers "seemed" to feel better when exposed to incandescent light. It appears that workers complained less about headaches and lethargy. That said...if you feel the flourescent lights are making you sick - then they probably are. Have you done any serious online reasearch or are you waiting for us to share our data & research with you? Change your lights and let us know how you are feeling after, say, 6 weeks or more. /Bet you're going to feel somewhat better/ __________________ "I need compassion, understanding and chocolate." - NJB

04-16-2007, 07:15 AM	#9 (permalink)
Push-Pull I'll ask when I'm ready.... Location: Firmly in the middle....	I know that in the "tube" type flourescents, they have a lot of variety as far as what kind of light. For example, I have some "daylights" on one side of my workshop, and some "regular" (cheapies) on the other. The "daylight" side is MUCH easier to see into darker corners and is more akin to having a skylight above rather than flourescents. __________________ "No laws, no matter how rigidly enforced, can protect a person from their own stupidity." -Me- "Some people are like Slinkies..... They are not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs." -Unknown- DAMMIT! -Jack Bauer-

04-03-2007, 01:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
alkaloid Dead Inside Location: East Coast, USA	neddy65, If I were you and felt that way, I would change my light bulb right away. Actually probably not. I'm too lazy. I would feel bad about it for a couple of months and change it then, when I could no longer stand it. Then it would be too late, since I would be too weak due to exposure to the life-sapping light bulb. Best wishes.

04-05-2007, 02:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
snicka Crazy	I tried CFL's in my house but they hurt my head for the reasons specified by MrSelfDestruct. So popped them out and got a bunch of the natural light incandescents. They burn more energy but don't suck as bad as CFL. I can't wait for CFL to be required by law!

04-05-2007, 03:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
gotekix Upright Location: Seattle	Flourescents have always made me feel sick. If I'm in a room with them for too long (more than 3 hours) I begin to get a headache and feel nauseous. If I were you I'd change them out immediately for incandescent bulbs. No point in keeping them if you are feeling unwell, even if it costs a bit more on the electic bill.

06-06-2007, 02:53 AM	#11 (permalink)
Nimetic Junkie Location: Melbourne, Australia	You could drape your head with a tea-towel - or small blanket. That should help.

06-10-2007, 06:31 AM	#13 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	Not you, per se... but the environment. They have a ton of mercury in them, I think. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake."

08-02-2009, 06:26 AM	#17 (permalink)
tenchi069 Lost Location: One step closer to the padded cell...	try indirect lighting, such as a "candlestick" floor lamp with an opaque shade to force the light up and reflecting from ceiling/walls. __________________ ERROR- PLBSAK Problem Lies Between Seat and Keyboard.

08-03-2009, 12:50 PM	#18 (permalink)
Sun Tzu Conspiracy Realist Location: The Event Horizon	They kill germs, molds, and viruses many hospitals use them for those reasons. __________________ *To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit.- Stephen Hawking*

08-03-2009, 03:29 PM	#19 (permalink)
JumpinJesus Junkie Location: Chicago	Probably. Your best bet is to bust them with a hammer or something and then throw them in the trash. __________________ "I can normally tell how intelligent a man is by how stupid he thinks I am" - Cormac McCarthy, All The Pretty Horses

08-08-2009, 08:14 PM	#23 (permalink)
ngdawg peekaboo Location: on the back, bitch	Do yourself a huge favor and get rid of them. They can trigger migraines, contain mercury and can be defective. I had one of those blow and catch fire earlier this year. And not one of them lasted any longer than a normal lightbulb. If you want to save energy and thusly, money, get yourself LED's. JJ, I assume that was in jest. In addition to releasing the mercury by smashing the bulb with a hammer, the glass splinters worse than an incandescent. They are supposed to be disposed of as you would hazardous materials. __________________ Don't blame me. I didn't vote for either of'em.