Frequently asked questions
Is the level of ultraviolet (UV) light emitted by compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) a cause for concern?
While it is true that some CFLs do emit slightly more UV light than incandescent light bulbs, these emissions are not significant if the CFLs are installed more than 25cm away from people, such as in ceiling fittings.
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) conducted a study into a range of CFLs, incandescent light bulbs and halogen lamps - Ultraviolet Radiation Emissions from Compact Fluorescent Lights
Of the tested lamps, those with the highest UV levels, measured at a distance of 10cm over a period of 8 hours was equivalent to spending approximately 6 minutes in the midday summer sunshine in Brisbane and 7 minutes in Melbourne.
The study found that UV emissions from all lamps decreased rapidly with distance.
If people are concerned about UV exposure they should minimise the time spent closer than 25cm from these lamps or use 'double envelope' or 'covered' CFLs (these types of lamps look similar to 'pearl' incandescents).
The Australian Government will continue to monitor developments in relation to potential health effects from UV emissions from CFLs.
Are compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) safe to use for people with light sensitive conditions?
Slightly more UV light may be emitted by some compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) when compared to an equivalent incandescent lamp. It has been suggested that a small number of people with very severe light sensitive conditions may be adversely affected by the very small amount of UV light emitted from a bare CFL. Lighting alternatives for these people are detailed in Health Fact Sheet 1 - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
It is important to note that compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are not being mandated. More efficient forms of incandescent lighting will continue to be available, such as mains voltage halogen lamps. Mains voltage halogens have a very similar appearance to the traditional incandescent light bulb, can be used in all of the same fittings, and are readily available. The halogen gas they contain allows them to operate at a higher temperature, which results in higher efficiency levels. However, mains voltage halogens are not as energy efficient as CFL alternatives.
As the phase-out plan is developed, the Australian Government will continue to consider health issues and examine options to address any significant concerns. This may include providing information about possible impacts and available alternatives.
Health Fact Sheet 1
More information relating to the possible health implications associated with the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) on light sensitive individuals, including those living with lupus, is available in our fact sheet.
Do compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) provide a light free of visible 'flicker'?
Some concern has been raised regarding the possible health implications associated with linear fluorescent light 'flicker'.
Modern compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) give a light free of visible flicker. They operate at a frequency of over 20,000 on/off cycles per second (because of their electronic controllers). Modern linear fluorescent tubes flicker at a rate of more than 5000 times per second. These rates of flickering are not detectable by the human brain (studies suggest that one per cent of people can detect a flicker rate of up to 60 times per second), and are also well above the range of flicker commonly associated with photosensitive epilepsy at 5-30 times per second. Experts in the field of epilepsy research have stated that compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are no more likely to be a risk to epileptics than other light bulbs (Professor Graham Harding, Epilepsy Action UK - www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/photo_other.html)
A small number of cases of reactions to linear fluorescent tube flicker have been recorded, but these were almost certainly triggered by old technology which operated at a much lower frequency on a copper-iron magnetic controller, rather than an electronic controller which all modern fluorescent lamps use.
If a linear fluorescent light has a noticeable flicker it is likely to be faulty and should be replaced. If a CFL has a noticeable flicker it could be the result of a poor quality product or may occur in situations where the lamp has been incorrectly fitted i.e. in a dimmer switch, touch lamp or another electronic device.
Health Fact Sheet 2
More information relating to the possible health implications associated with the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and sufferers of photosensitive epilepsy is available in our fact sheet.
Can people who suffer from Ménière's disease use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)?
Concerns have been raised that compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) may have adverse impacts on the health of some people. One such concern is the effects of CFL 'flicker' on Ménière's disease sufferers.
Health Fact Sheet 3
More information relating to the possible health implications associated with the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) on sufferers of Ménière's disease is available in our fact sheet.
Can people who suffer from migraines use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)?
Concerns have been raised that compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) may have adverse impacts on the health of some people. One such concern is the effects of CFL 'flicker' on migraine sufferers.
Health Fact Sheet 4
More information relating to the possible health implications associated with the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) on sufferers of migraines is available in our fact sheet.
Energy efficient lights
Energy saving tips
More information about energy efficient lighting:
- Good ideas about lighting - Global Warming Cool it
- Lighting - Your Home Design Guide
- Public lighting - guide for local government
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