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Learning About Fluorescent Lighting Hazards
Fluorescent lighting brings with it many hazards and LED lights are today’s safe and energy-saving choice of lighting. Besides these, there are other safety aspects which make fluorescent lighting hazardous.
Mercury is the most common form of fluorescent lighting. When the lamp operates, it heats up and the mercury is turned into a gaseous or vapor form. This kind of mercury vapor is toxic; in fact contact with even a small dose of mercury is hazardous to health. A CFL bulb has only 4 milligrams of mercury, much less than a bulb; hence it is important to dispose off fluorescent lamps and bulbs only at a hazardous waste handler.
When there is a breakage of fluorescent lamps, the glass and the mercury can cause injuries. The lamp glass contains phosphor which can be a severe health concern if it enters the body through a wound. Children and pets should be avoided exposure and cleanup of the broken pieces should be done by using rubber gloves.
It is advisable not to use a CFL with a dimmer, unless it is designed to work with dimmers. It can cause fire and can shorten the life span of the lamp and the dimmer. Most photocells, motion sensors and electric timers cannot work with a CFL. When the electrician installs a fixture controlled by a dimmer and it begins to buzz, the wrong type of CFL has been installed.
Long fluorescent fixtures must have an electrical ground for the fixture and ballast. The shorter-wave ultraviolet light emanation from the lamp is also considered to be a long-term hazard. If fluorescent lights flicker and glare, it can cause headaches and can damage the eyes. Hence several manufactures and regulators have switched over to LED lights, which is not only healthy but comfortable for the eyes.