Compact fluorescent lights and health

There is no established evidence that the low levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are a risk to health for normal population skin types.

Many types of lighting sources used in our homes emit small amounts of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) emit slightly more UVR when compared to other light sources like halogen and incandescent light sources.

ARPANSA has measured the UVR and visible light emissions from a range of light sources, including CFLs, and have found that UVR levels are below the Australian limits and pose no risk to health for normal population skin.

Useful links

• ARPANSA Radiation Protection Series No.12 Radiation Protection Standard for Occupational Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (2006)
• International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. Guidelines on Limits of Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation of Wavelength between 180 nm and 400 nm (Incoherent Optical Radiation). Health Physics, 87 (2), 171-186, 2004
  www.icnirp.org/cms/upload/publications/ICNIRPUV2004.pdf