Harmful Effects of CFL Bulbs to Skin; Energy-Efficient Bulbs Safest When Placed Behind Additional Glass Cover

The team of Stony Brook researchers reviews the findings of their research. Pictured from left to right (standing) are Marcia Simon, Michael Hadjiargyrou, (sitting) Tatsiana Mironava and Miriam Rafailovich. The images displayed on the screen are of keratinocytes via confocal microscopy which show the results of human skin cells with and without exposure to CFL. (Credit: Image courtesy of Stony Brook University)

From the 18 July 2012 article at ScienceNewsDaily

Inspired by a European study, a team of Stony Brook University researchers looked into the potential impact of healthy human skin tissue (in vitro) being exposed to ultraviolet rays emitted from compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs…

…

“Our study revealed that the response of healthy skin cells to UV emitted from CFL bulbs is consistent with damage from ultraviolet radiation,” said Professor Rafailovich. “Skin cell damage was further enhanced when low dosages of TiO2 nanoparticles were introduced to the skin cells prior to exposure.” Rafailovich added that incandescent light of the same intensity had no effect on healthy skin cells, with or without the presence of TiO2.

“Despite their large energy savings, consumers should be careful when using compact fluorescent light bulbs,” said Professor Rafailovich. “Our research shows that it is best to avoid using them at close distances and that they are safest when placed behind an additional glass cover.”

Related articles

• The Dark Side Of CFL Bulbs: They Can Hurt Your Skin (fastcoexist.com)
• Compact fluorescent bulbs may harm skin (futurity.org)
• Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Could Cause Ultraviolet Damage to Skin (popsci.com)
• CFL Bulb Dangers (naturalhealthezine.com)
• Compact fluorescent bulbs may harm skin (whptv.com)
• Study reveals harmful effects of compact fluorescent light bulbs to skin (medicalxpress.com)
• CFL bulbs have downsides as well. (jllowe.wordpress.com)