The U.S Department of Energy estimates that 15 percent of a home's electricity cost is attributable to artificial lighting; however, by converting to energy-efficient light bulbs, you can save an estimated 50 to 75 percent on the cost of lighting your home. Because of the sizable energy savings gained by the use of energy-efficient light bulbs, many homeowners have made the conversion to energy-efficient lighting, but you should also be aware of the risks associated with the use of energy-efficient light bulbs.
Ultraviolet Radiation in the Home
Energy-efficient lighting emits ultraviolet radiation, called UV, in order to create light. The Food and Drug Administration closely regulates the allowed amount of UV allowed in lighting, but you can still experience problems with the UV of energy-efficient lighting if you are especially sensitive to UV rays or you are too close to the lighting. If you use compact fluorescent bulbs in your home that do not have any additional covering, such as a globe or lampshade, you should keep a distance of one foot between you and the light and limit your close-up use of such lighting to one hour a day, as a precautionary measure. If you are particularly sensitive to UV rays, change your lighting fixtures so that they provide an additional cover between you and the lighting.
Mercury Vapor from Broken Bulbs
Mercury is the main source used to produce energy-efficient lighting. While the effects of the mercury are insignificant when encased in the bulb, breaking an energy-efficient light bulb does carry some minimal risk if you inhale the mercury vapor. The effects of inhaling mercury vapor depend on several factors, such as the amount of vapor inhaled, the elapsed time of exposure and the age and health of the exposed person. Possible side effects include headaches, tremors and mood swings. To limit your exposure, vacate the room with a broken bulb for at least 15 minutes before attempting clean-up. Wear gloves when cleaning away the broken bulb and dispose of the bulb pieces in a plastic bag.
Risks from Outdoor Lighting
Mercury vapor lamps are used primarily to light outdoor areas, such as streets, and sports arenas, such as gymnasiums. The lamps are constructed with a two-part cover--one that contains the mercury used to create the light and an outer bulb that filters the ultra-violet radiation so that it is not harmful--but problems can arise if the outside bulb breaks. If the mercury vapor lamp is a type "T," then the lamp will automatically shut off within 15 minutes of breakage, but if the lamp is an "R" type, it will continue to burn without the benefit of the outside filter as long as the light is on. Possible effects of exposure to unfiltered UV rays from a mercury vapor lamp include headaches, nausea, burns to the skin and eyes and vision problems. The symptoms may not appear for several hours after exposure.
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