HPA warns on UV exposure from lightbulbs

Sasha Wood | News | HSP
15.10.2008

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a warning about working too close to energy-saving lightbulbs.

New research has shown that the open type of compact fluorescent lightbulb (pictured below) can emit ultraviolet radiation (UVR) above the guideline exposure limit recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The main concern is the effect on skin from close long exposure.

According to the HPA, if bare bulbs are used in lamps on desks and workbenches closer than 30cm for over an hour a day, the UVR exposure is the equivalent of being outside on a sunny day. The light could cause reddening of the skin and could worsen skin problems such as lupus. The agency says these single-envelope bulbs can be used safely at a distance of more than 30cm when the UVR level is less than being outside on a clear winter's day.

"We are advising people to avoid using the open light bulbs for prolonged close work until the problem is sorted out," said HPA chief executive Justin McCracken, "and to use encapsulated bulbs [pictured below] instead. In other situations where people are not likely to be very close to the bulbs for any length of time, all types of compact fluorescent light bulbs are safe to use."

The encapsulated double-envelope type of bulb closely resembles a traditional domestic light bulb, and does not emit significant levels of UVR. Fluorescent strip lighting often used in workplaces is safe to use on ceilings without special precautions. 

The HPA and UK government are calling on the EU, product standards bodies and the lighting industry to consider how to improve safety standards for lights and with a view to including them in future European legislation.