Debra Lynn Dadd

Non-toxic Lightbulbs?

QUESTION:

Thanks for the information on non-toxic bathtubs, Debra! Now I am questioning light bulbs............do halogen bulbs outgas at an unsafe level? Which types of bulbs are best to use?

Thanks for a great website!

POSTED BY SUSAN HUNT :: ARIZONA USA :: 11/27/2006 4:12 PM

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

To the best of my knowledge, lightbulbs do not "outgas" in the way we generally use that term to mean outgassing toxic chemicals.

I imagine that various types of lightbulbs emit various levels or even various types of EMFs, but I couldn't find any data on this (that doesn't mean there isn't any).

I do know that various types of lightbulbs and various spectrums of light have varying effects on health.

Maybe others can point us to this kind of info on lightbulbs. Readers?

Debra :-)

COMMENTS:

I have a tri-field EMF detector and have measured substantially higher EMF ratings on the energy saving fluorescent bulbs than on the regular incandescent bulbs.

That leads to a quandry as to whether to use the compact fluorescent bulbs to reduce the planetary environmental impact or to use regular bulbs and reduce the EMF exposure in the home.

When choosing, consider that EMF exposure is decreased the further you are from the source. So power lines, be AT LEAST 350 ft. away, and that's according to public utilities.

You'd be surprised how much EMF exposure we found (off the charts) just standing near the top right corner of our dishwasher --- when it wasn't even on. Must have some electrical component clustered there.

Get a tri-field meter at electronics stores like Fry's. Only $99. And no, I have no stock in Fry's. :)

POSTED BY B.C. :: CALIFORNIA USA :: 11/28/2006 7:42 PM

Fluorescent bulbs require a ballast to run. Modern, compact fittings will have an electronic (digital?) ballast, which is possibly unshielded.

Some digital ballasts used for higher wattage (HID)lamps are notorious for interfering on commercially used radio frequencies, and have been known to completely knock-out radio, satellite tv etc over a VERY large radius. If your curious as to the wavelength, you might try holding a small radio next to your CFLs :)

POSTED BY DAVE :: LONDON UK :: 11/24/2007 12:02 PM

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