Curly Light Bulbs

I have never been a fan of the new curly light bulbs (or any of them for that matter) for a number of reason. Some being they are super expensive and NEVER come close to lasting as long a say.   I have even more reason to not like them now......

Skin Damage With Energy-Efficient Bulbs

The hype of energy efficient, 'curly' fluorescent light bulbs, which fit into an incandescent light bulb socket, is fading.  Once slated to completely replace incandescent bulbs, a planned phase out on old fashioned light bulbs was postponed due to impassioned testimony from individuals highly sensitive to fluorescent lights. 

Now new research funded by the National Science Foundations has scientists warning consumers about the potentially harmful effects these energy-saving bulbs can have on the skin.  Conducted by Stony Brook University and New York State Stem Cell Science, the study found that UV light emitted from the bulbs can cause skin damage.  The researchers found that cracks in the fluorescent bulbs' phosphor coating yeilded significant levels of UVC and UVA in all of the bulbs.  Skin damage from exposure to the bulbs was consistent with harm caused by ultraviolent radiation. 

These bulbs also contain mercury, which can escape if the bulbs are broken.  So much for the argument that these bulbs are enviromentally friendly. 

By the way, skin damage was further enhanced when low dosages of TiO2 nano particles were introduced  to the skin cell proir to exposure.  TiO2 is a chemical found in sunblock.

(Photochemisrty and Photobiology 20 Jul 2012 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2012.01192.x)