Does Fluorescent Lighting Make You Feel Sick?

Do you hate the type of light given off energy efficiency lamps? You are not alone – it is a common complaint! As a lighting designer, when suggesting using any form of fluorescent style lighting clients usually groan. "Do we have to use them? Is not there another way?" When it is a new build project there is no choice but to meet the government criteria for a certain ratio of the lighting to be energy efficient and usually it will take the form of fluorescent lighting as LEDs still have a way to go before they are as efficient and cost effective.

Complaints include the fact that the light from these lamps is deadening, that they give out UVA and UVB rays and can even cause migraines to susceptible people. Much of this is true but as they are here to stay (for the time being at least) we need to learn how to bypass their flaws and use them to our best advantage.

What about the quality of light?

The color rendering (CRI) of fluorescent lighting is not nearly as good as incandescent (80-85 as opposed to 100) This means that there is more blue in the light given off and some people are particularly sensitive to this. Buy lamps from reputable suppliers and specify Warm White. This will help to ensure a good quality light. Also, if you are buying wall lights or ceiling lights to use with CFL's try to select fittings where the lighting will be Indirect rather than Direct. That means aiming to bounce the light off a surface thereby giving a much better and better quality light. A light colored surface is best for this effect.

What about the UV Rays?

There is no getting away from the fact, the presence of UV rays drives the fluorescent lamps. This means that plastic fittings used in certain lights and lamps will degrade faster than with incandescent bulbs – rather like leaving a piece of plastic lying out in the sun during the summer months.

What can I do about it?

Do not try to increase the amount of light you can get from a fitting by upping the wattage on the compact fluorescent bulb. If the fitting says it will take 40 watts incandescent, do not try and put in a 20 watt CFL which will give out the equivalent of a 100 watts incandescent. Put in the standard equivalent (9 watts) and you will lengthen the life of the fitting.

What about the Health Aspect?

The amount of UV rays emitted from CFL's is a fraction of that on a sunny day. According to the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), we are safe to be under this light for a maximum of 24 hours a day. European Scientific experts have not found any health impact from UV rays emitted from energy saving lamps in normal conditions. Of course, one could always take the point that natural is best, and many people try not to directly under under fluorescent lighting for long periods of time.

CFL's give me migraines

Certain people are susceptible to migraines and many difference effects can set them off. If you are affected by fluorescent lighting it could be that you are more sensitive to the blue light emitted from the lamp and you should therefore opt for lamps with yellow filters to counteract this. Be selective about the lamps you choose as they last a long time!