Clipping Board » Disease & Prevention ─ Understanding diseases, prevention is better than cure.
[Compiled by Zhang Peiyuan and Wang Changmin, Liberty Times]
The UK's Independent reported on the 10th that the Health Protection Agency (HPA), a public health oversight organization of the British government, has warned that the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by energy-saving bulbs is sufficient to harm the skin. The HPA advises that when using open-type (where the glass coil is visible) energy-saving bulbs, if the distance is less than 30 centimeters, the usage time should not exceed one hour per day.
The HPA issued this "precautionary advice" after measuring the UV radiation emitted by energy-saving bulbs at the request of patient groups. British patients have complained that energy-saving bulbs exacerbate photosensitivity conditions such as lupus, eczema, and porphyria.
The recommended distance should be more than 30 centimeters, and usage should not exceed one hour.
Energy-saving bulbs, also known as compact fluorescent lamps, come in two types: one is the "open-type" where the glass coil is visible, and the other is the "compact-type" where the coil is enclosed in a second layer of glass, resembling a traditional bulb. Research shows that when the light source is very close to the skin, one-fifth of open-type energy-saving bulbs emit UV radiation equivalent to that of a sunny summer day, which is alarming. However, when the light source is moved more than 30 centimeters away, the UV radiation drops below that of a sunny winter day, posing no health concerns.
The HPA stated that when using open-type energy-saving bulbs, such as desk lamps or reading lamps, attention should be paid to the distance and usage time. Compact-type energy-saving bulbs, because they are encased in two layers of glass, do not emit excessive UV radiation and can be used at close range.
HPA CEO McCracken said that people with photosensitivity should take special care, but there is no need to completely abandon energy-saving bulbs. Simple adjustments in distance are sufficient. Additionally, he refuted claims that the UV radiation from energy-saving bulbs causes cancer. McCracken pointed out that excessive UV exposure from energy-saving bulbs may at most cause temporary skin redness.
Individuals with sensitive constitutions are prone to developing hives.
Zhao Zhaoming, director of dermatology at Tri-Service General Hospital, stated that for patients with photosensitive dermatitis, not only should they be cautious with energy-saving bulbs, but traditional fluorescent lamps also emit UV radiation. Prolonged close exposure can trigger allergic reactions such as hives.
Zhao Zhaoming noted that photosensitive dermatitis is quite rare. The skin of these patients is particularly sensitive to UV radiation in the environment, but for the vast majority of people without this condition, there is no impact.
Zhao Zhaoming explained that individuals with photosensitive constitutions may develop hives on localized skin when exposed to large amounts of UV radiation, causing symptoms such as redness, heat, and itching. Each patient's sensitivity to light varies; some may need close exposure for an hour to develop an allergic reaction, while others may show symptoms within ten minutes. Additionally, higher wattage bulbs are more likely to trigger allergies. Therefore, it is advisable not to stay too close to the light source for extended periods. If hives occur, one should move away from the light source and apply cold water compresses to reduce the temperature of the allergic skin, which can help alleviate the symptoms.
Source: http:/ / www. libertytimes. com. ……8/ new/ oct/ 13/ today- life6. htm
UK Health Agency Warns: Energy-Saving Bulbs Emit Harmful UV Rays
The UK's Independent reported on the 10th that the Health Protection Agency (HPA), a public health oversight organization of the British government, has warned that the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by energy-saving bulbs is sufficient to harm the skin. The HPA advises that when using open-type (where the glass coil is visible) energy-saving bulbs, if the distance is less than 30 centimeters, the usage time should not exceed one hour per day.
The HPA issued this "precautionary advice" after measuring the UV radiation emitted by energy-saving bulbs at the request of patient groups. British patients have complained that energy-saving bulbs exacerbate photosensitivity conditions such as lupus, eczema, and porphyria.
The recommended distance should be more than 30 centimeters, and usage should not exceed one hour.
Energy-saving bulbs, also known as compact fluorescent lamps, come in two types: one is the "open-type" where the glass coil is visible, and the other is the "compact-type" where the coil is enclosed in a second layer of glass, resembling a traditional bulb. Research shows that when the light source is very close to the skin, one-fifth of open-type energy-saving bulbs emit UV radiation equivalent to that of a sunny summer day, which is alarming. However, when the light source is moved more than 30 centimeters away, the UV radiation drops below that of a sunny winter day, posing no health concerns.
The HPA stated that when using open-type energy-saving bulbs, such as desk lamps or reading lamps, attention should be paid to the distance and usage time. Compact-type energy-saving bulbs, because they are encased in two layers of glass, do not emit excessive UV radiation and can be used at close range.
HPA CEO McCracken said that people with photosensitivity should take special care, but there is no need to completely abandon energy-saving bulbs. Simple adjustments in distance are sufficient. Additionally, he refuted claims that the UV radiation from energy-saving bulbs causes cancer. McCracken pointed out that excessive UV exposure from energy-saving bulbs may at most cause temporary skin redness.
Individuals with sensitive constitutions are prone to developing hives.
Zhao Zhaoming, director of dermatology at Tri-Service General Hospital, stated that for patients with photosensitive dermatitis, not only should they be cautious with energy-saving bulbs, but traditional fluorescent lamps also emit UV radiation. Prolonged close exposure can trigger allergic reactions such as hives.
Zhao Zhaoming noted that photosensitive dermatitis is quite rare. The skin of these patients is particularly sensitive to UV radiation in the environment, but for the vast majority of people without this condition, there is no impact.
Zhao Zhaoming explained that individuals with photosensitive constitutions may develop hives on localized skin when exposed to large amounts of UV radiation, causing symptoms such as redness, heat, and itching. Each patient's sensitivity to light varies; some may need close exposure for an hour to develop an allergic reaction, while others may show symptoms within ten minutes. Additionally, higher wattage bulbs are more likely to trigger allergies. Therefore, it is advisable not to stay too close to the light source for extended periods. If hives occur, one should move away from the light source and apply cold water compresses to reduce the temperature of the allergic skin, which can help alleviate the symptoms.
Source: http:/ / www. libertytimes. com. ……8/ new/ oct/ 13/ today- life6. htm