STAFF COMMUNIQUE: DON’T BELIEVE THE HOAX – CFLs ARESAFE TO USE

There is a hoax email that is currently doing the rounds regarding the supposed health risks posed by the mercury content in Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). We understand that you may be concerned about the safety aspect and would like to deal with those concerns.

But before we go into the specifics we would like to take this opportunity to assure you that CFLs are extremely safe to use.

As you know Governments around the world are pushing for the replacement of traditional incandescent bulbs by energy-efficient CFLs, and in many instances passing legislation to make this replacement compulsory.

CFLs consume up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent light bulbs and should last eight to 15 times longer, which sharply reduces the consumption and expense of electricity for lighting.

Here is a list of FAQs which will address the concerns:

Do CFLs give off hazardous amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light?

UV light rays emitted by the sun cause tanning, with overexposure responsible for sunburn and skin damage. Although CFLs give off slightly more UV than incandescent lamps, the amount is minimal and extremely unlikely to cause sunburn, or even tanning.

Can CFLs cause epileptic or other types of seizures?

Approximately 3 to 5% of people with epilepsy are prone to seizures induced by light flicker. Known triggers include TV, strobe lights and light reflecting on moving objects. The frequency of flicker that induces seizures differs from person to person, but is typically in the range of five to 30 flashes per second (Hz). Earlier fluorescent lamps flickered at about 50Hz, but current CFLs cycle at 23 000Hz, which virtually eliminates the triggering risk.

Can CFLs irritate people with light-sensitive skin ie. Lupus sufferers?

Sufferers of the rare Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus) condition are sensitive to the UV rays contained in sunlight. A 1993 study found that that UV exposure from sitting under typical office fluorescent lights for eight continuous hours is equivalent to just over one minute of sun exposure. Modern CFLs give off far less UV than the 1990s linear fluorescent tubes. If necessary, the risk to Lupus sufferers can be eliminated by fitting standard acrylic light covers or diffusers to filter out the UV rays.

Can people who suffer from migraines use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)?

Migraine sufferers comprise up to 15% of the population and their migraines are brought on by a various causes such as stress, food types, noises, exercise and lack of sleep. If light is suspected as the triggering event, the primary cause is likely to be glare or substandard lighting design. The 23 000Hz flicker rate of the modern CFL is proved to be undetectable by the human brain.

Can people get mercury poisoning from compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)?

Typically, a CFL contains about five milligrams of mercury, about one-fifth of the mercury found in a watch battery (25 milligrams), and at least a 100 times less that the mercury present in standard household thermometers (500 milligrams) and the silver-coloured fillings in teeth (500 milligrams). Five cans of tuna will typically contain the same amount of mercury found in a CFL. In any event, almost all of its mercury will burn up during the lifespan of a CFL.

What do I do if a CFL breaks?

In the case of breakage, the amount[1] of mercury inside an individual lamp is too small to pose a hazard to users. Although the accidental breakage of a lamp is unlikely to cause any health problems, it’s good practice to minimise any unnecessary exposure to mercury, as well as risk of cuts from glass fragments.

The following guidelines are therefore recommended in the case of accidental breakage of a CFL:

  • Do not allow children or pregnant women to enter the affected area
  • Open windows and allow air to circulate to the affected area
  • Wear gloves, if available, as a precaution also against broken glass
  • First sweep up all of the glass fragments and phosphor powder (do not vacuum)
  • Place in a plastic bag
  • Wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up stray shards of glass or fine particles
  • Place the used towel in the plastic bag as well

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact Carol Allers at

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