CFLs and Skin Cancer Risk: Understanding UV Exposure

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are more energy-efficient and last longer than household incandescent lamps. However, the United Kingdom Health Protection Agency (UKHPA) has detected ultraviolet radiation (UVR) emissions that warrant safety measures.

Process

• In CFLs, an electric current stimulates mercury gas to emit UV light. UV light then strikes phosphor powder, which emits visible light.

Types

• The two major CFLs are single envelop and double envelope (encapsulated). A single envelop CFL has an exposed coil. A double envelop CFL is shaped like an incandescent bulb. The encased CFL provides UV protection.

UVR Emissions

• CFLs emit infrared, visible and UV light. The UKHPA found that sitting closer than an inch to some single envelope CFLs is like being outside on a summer day.

Skin Cancer Risk

• Although UVR can cause sunburn, sun damage and skin cancer, CFLs emit very low levels of UVR. Therefore, CFLs pose a very low skin cancer risk. However, individuals who are light-sensitive need to take extra precautions.

Recommendations

• The UKHPA has set guidelines to help lower exposure to UVR . Use single envelope CFLs no closer than 1 foot away and use no more than one hour a day. Otherwise, use double envelope CFLs, particularly for light-sensitive individuals.