DZAP Blog

May 14, 2010 at 07:00 AM | from Doug Stowe, President and CEO

Global News on the health dangers associated with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL)

UV exposure and mercury content just part of the problem as Health Canada deals with outdated research methods and EMF emission standards

I just finished watching the latest episode (# 176) of "16:9 The Bigger Picture " — Global News' investigative current affairs program. In this episode there is a two part piece on the dangers associated with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL).

Part 1 of "Shedding Some Light" discusses the results of a recent Health Canada study on CFL bulbs. The study states, among other things, that because of UV exposure concerns no one should get any closer than 30cm to a CFL bulb. The study also warns that people with skin sensitivities may have health issues from even further distances.

Part 2 of the show indicates that research methods and EMF emission standards associated with CFL bulbs in Canada are outdated. Research out of Switzerland suggests that we should be doing a much better job of testing CFL bulbs before they enter the market, and that they do in fact pose EMF related health risks.

You can watch "Shedding Some Light" here.