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Fluorescent lamps have been suggested to have an impact on human health in various ways.

Nocturnal exposure to light in the short wavelength ranges (below 530 nm) generated by some fluorescent lamps may interfere with mammalian circadian rhythms due to its suppressing effect on melatonin production.[1] Suppression of melatonin has been linked to cancer in some studies.

Fluorescent lamps with magnetic ballasts flicker at a normally unnoticeable frequency of 100 or 120 hertz and this flickering can cause problems for some individuals with light sensitivity,[2] they are listed as problematic for some individuals with autism, epilepsy,[3] lupus,[4] chronic fatigue syndrome, and vertigo.[5] Newer fluorescent lights without magnetic ballasts have essentially eliminated flicker.[6] In rare cases, fluorescent lighting can also induce depersonalization and derealization, subsequently, it can worsen depersonalization disorder symptomology.[7] Research on these rare cases is very limited and cause and effect often cannot be duplicated.

The normally unnoticeable 100–120 Hz flicker from fluorescent tubes powered by electromagnetic ballasts are associated with headaches and eyestrain. Individuals with high flicker fusion threshold are particularly affected by electromagnetic ballasts: their EEG alpha waves are markedly attenuated and they perform office tasks with greater speed and decreased accuracy.[8] Ordinary people have better reading performance using high frequency (20 kHz – 60 kHz) electronic ballasts than electromagnetic ballasts.[9]

Early studies suspected a relationship between the flickering of fluorescent lamps with electromagnetic ballasts and repetitive movement in autistic children.[10] However, these studies had interpretive problems[11] and have not been replicated.

Ultraviolet radiation risk

Some fluorescent lamps emit ultraviolet radiation that in some circumstances can exceed safe levels. The Health Protection Agency of the United Kingdom has conducted research that concluded exposure to some compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) for 1 hour per day at a distance of less than 30 cm can exceed safe levels. Touching the exposed bulb results in equivalent exposure to ultraviolet radiation as that of being in direct summer sunlight.[12]

In 2009, Natural Resources Canada released a report [13] describing the UV exposure due to lamps of several types. The report states that at 3 cm distance, the recommended daily exposure to ultraviolet radiation for skin and eye damage was attained between 50 minutes and 5 hours depending on the type of lamp; the report observes that such a close distance is unlikely in actual use. The report states that most bare spiral lamps tested gave off more UV than the 60 watt incandescent lamp tested, but that the double-envelope CFLs emitted less UV. At 30 cm distance, the recommended maximum daily exposure was attained between 3 hours and 6 hours, with little difference between the studied 60 Watt incandescent lamp and any bare-spiral CFL. The report states that the Threshold limit values used represent otherwise healthy individuals who are not experiencing any hypersensitivity conditions or exposed to substances that increase UV sensitivity. Outdoor sunlight can supply the maximum recommended daily UV exposure in 20 to 100 minutes.

SCENIHR study and report

The Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) in 2008 reviewed.[14] the connnections between artificial light and numerous human diseases, including:

  • Ultraviolet radiation emitted by fluorescent lighting increases 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.
  • The constituent blue light of CFLs can aggravate retinal diseases in susceptible people, but it is unlikely to occur.
  • The report states that "people with Autism/Aspergers syndrome have reported problems which they attributed to fluorescent lighting and any deleterious effects on sufferers of autism or Asperger Syndrome from CFLs cannot be dismissed.
  • The inner-ear condition Ménière's disease can be aggravated by flicker Sufferers of vertigo are recommended to not use fluorescent lights.
  • Polymorphous light eruption is a condition affecting the skin thought to be caused by an adverse reaction to ultraviolet light. Its prevalence across Europe is 10-20% of the population Artificial light sources may provoke the condition, and CFLs have been shown to produce an eruption.
  • Chronic actinic dermatitis is a condition where a subject's skin becomes inflamed due to a reaction to sunlight or artificial light. Its prevalence in Scotland is 16.5 per 100,000 population. There is evidence that CFLs worsen the condition.
  • The autoimmune disease Lupus is exacerbated by CFLs.
  • There is evidence that Actinic prurigo is worsened by CFLs . This disease affects 3.3% of the general population.
  • 3.1% of the population suffer Solar urticaria, a skin disorder affected by ultraviolet light. Some patients are directly affected by CFLs.
  • Phytophotodermatitis may be aggravated by the additional levels of ultraviolet light emitted by CFLs.
  • Patients undergoing photodynamic therapy are at additional risk of adverse photosensitive reactions caused by CFLs.
  • Self-reporting suggests that 21% of chronic fatigue syndrome patients experience sensitivity to light but there have been no studies into the association between chronic fatigue syndrome and CFLs.
  • One cause of cataracts is exposure to ultraviolet light. Provided the level of UV emission from lamps is within safe limits, and the lamp a sufficient distance away from the individual, there should be no increased risk of developing cataracts.
  • Photophobia is a symptom of excessive sensitivity to light which affects 5 to 20% of the population. No studies have been conducted into the effect of CFLs on sufferers of photophobia but there is the possibility for CFLs to affect sufferers.
  • There is evidence that flicker can cause seizures in patients with photosensitive epilepsy, but there has yet to be any evidence to date attributing seizures to compact fluorescent lamps.
  • Self-reporting suggests fluorescent lamps aggravate dyslexia, but tests show that dyslexic patients are unable to detect flicker emanating from light sources.

Other conditions associated with fluorescent light

In rare cases individuals with solar urticaria (allergy to sunlight) can get a rash from fluorescent lighting.[15] Very photosensitive individuals with Systemic lupus erythematosus may experience disease activity under artificial light. Standard acrylic diffusers over the fluorescent lamps absorb nearly all the UV-B radiation and appear to protect against this.[16]

In rare cases, fluorescent lighting can also induce depersonalization and derealization, subsequently, it can worsen depersonalization disorder symptomology.[7] Research on these rare cases is very limited and cause and effect often cannot be duplicated.

The charity Migraine Action [1] says its members suffer migraines induced by CFLs[17] and there are many anecdotal reports of such occurrences.[18][19]

References

  1. ^ Kayumov, L; Lowe, A; Rahman, SA; Casper, RF; Shapiro, CM (2007). "Prevention of melatonin suppression by nocturnal lighting: relevance to cancer". Eur J Cancer Prev. author=Kayumov L, Lowe A, Rahman SA, Casper RF, Shapiro CM. 16 (4): 357–62. doi:10.1097/01.cej.0000215622.59122.d4. PMID 17554209. {{cite journal}}: Missing pipe in: |journal= (help)
  2. ^ "Working with Light Sensitivity".
  3. ^ "Accommodation Ideas for Employees with Epilepsy".
  4. ^ "Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employees with Lupus".
  5. ^ "Accommodating People with Vertigo".
  6. ^ http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/lighting_flicker.html Lighting flicker, retrieved 2010 April 19
  7. ^ a b Simeon D, Knutelska M, Nelson D & Guralnik O. (2003) Feeling unreal: a depersonalization disorder update of 117 cases. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 64 (9): 990-7 PMID 14628973
  8. ^ Küller R, Laike T (1998). "The impact of flicker from fluorescent lighting on well-being, performance and physiological arousal". Ergonomics. 41 (4): 433–47. doi:10.1080/001401398186928. PMID 9557586.
  9. ^ Veitch JA, McColl SL (1995). "Modulation of fluorescent light: flicker rate and light source effects on visual performance and visual comfort". Light Res Tech. 27 (4): 243–256. doi:10.1177/14771535950270040301. Retrieved 2007-08-12.
  10. ^ Colman RS, Frankel F, Ritvo E, Freeman BJ (1976). "The effects of fluorescent and incandescent illumination upon repetitive behaviors in autistic children". J Autism Child Schizophr. 6 (2): 157–62. doi:10.1007/BF01538059. PMID 989489.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ Turner M (1999). "Annotation: Repetitive behaviour in autism: a review of psychological research". J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 40 (6): 839–49. doi:10.1017/S0021963099004278. PMID 10509879.
  12. ^ "Emissions from compact fluorescent lights" (PDF). Health Protection Agency. 2008. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  13. ^ http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/cfl-impact-study.cfm CFL Impact study, retrieved 2010 09 21
  14. ^ "Light Sensitivity, Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks" (PDF). Director-General for Health and Consumers, European Commission. 2008. pp. 26–27. Retrieved 2009-08-31. Although the carcinogenic UV dose from fluorescent lighting in offices is minor (~ 1%) when compared to equal exposure times in the summer sun, old risk assessments showed that actual annual exposures of office workers could increase by 10 to 30% from the fluorescent lighting, which over a lifetime was estimated to increase the risk of squamous cell carcinomas by around 4 % with a baseline risk much lower than that for outdoor workers who dominate incidences (Lytle et al 1992). {{cite web}}: line feed character in |quote= at position 387 (help)
  15. ^ Beattie PE, Dawe RS, Ibbotson SH, Ferguson J (2003). "Characteristics and prognosis of idiopathic solar urticaria: a cohort of 87 cases". Arch Dermatol. 139 (9): 1149–54. doi:10.1001/archderm.139.9.1149. PMID 12975156.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ^ Rihner M, McGrath H Jr (1992). "Fluorescent light photosensitivity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus". Arthritis Rheum. 35 (8): 949–52. doi:10.1002/art.1780350816. PMID 1642660.
  17. ^ "EU phases out low efficency (sic) light bulbs". Migraine Action. 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-04. However as reported regularly by Migraine Action, there are concerns - voiced my many members - that the new bulbs can cause migraines.
  18. ^ "Low-energy bulbs 'cause migraine'". BBC. 2008-01-02. Retrieved 2009-09-04.
  19. ^ "Phasing out 100W lightbulbs 'could damage health of Britons'". London: Daily Telegraph. 2009-08-31. Retrieved 2009-09-04.
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