In Part 2 of this article I covered the safe alternatives to CFL’s; in particular the highly efficient LED lamps. I also introduced solutions to the issue of “dirty electricity” in the home environment.

Because there are such a wide range of adverse health effects that are reportedly linked to the use of CFL’s, I felt this issue warranted a section on its own.

Could CFL’s REALLY
be making you sick?

You just might find the answers to your problem in this report.

Do you suffer from any of the following?

nausea,          dizzy spells,          joint pain,
blurry vision,          anxiety,          eye pain,  
headaches,          migraine,          or skin rashes?

The symptoms listed here are among many reported by consumers who claimed that CFL’s were the cause of their problems. They reported that often dramatic symptom relief occurred when CFL’s were removed.

Earlier this month a Canadian investigative TV series “16:9 The Bigger Picture“ published a story of their continued investigation into the possible dangers of using those curly fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s).

After 2 years of demanding answers from Health Canada (Canada’s equivalent of the FDA), and other research and health officials abroad, the “16:9″ Team have compiled some startling information that we all should be aware of.

Their recent 2-part television series entitled “Shedding Some Light” addressed two main areas of concern.

                    1. UV Radiation
                         2. Electro-magnetic Emissions

Part 1 – Shedding Some Light: (8min 20sec)

Instructions To view Part 1 of the 2-part television series. Click on the 16:9 image (opposite). A new window will open and the video will start after a 30 second commercial. 

Summary of Part 1.
(UV Radiation)

FINALLY, the test results from Health Canada are in. They declared that CFL’s were SAFE. However, according to the “16:9″ report, Health Canada also WARNED to keep at least 30cm away from the CFL light source due to the UV radiation. The results of the study were to be found on the Natural Resources Canada website.

Health Canada recommends
to limit CFL exposure to 3.3 hours

According to the “16:9″ program, the recommendation of Health Canada was to limit CFL exposure to 3.3 hours, as skin reddening may occur due to UV exposure. Their tests showed that 50 minutes of exposure to an exposed coil CFL at 3cm distance would equal the recommended daily UV exposure limits. CLICK HERE to view Health Canada’s The Safety of Compact Fluorescent Lamps page.

On that page, there is a statement that infers that people who have Lupus, other auto-immune disorders or skin sensitivities may have issues with the bulbs.

Tests Conducted in the United Kingdom: 
A UK health researcher stated that their tests had revealed that about 1 in 5 CFL bulbs  emitted “unusual levels of UV light” and they ALSO recommended that it was prudent to limit time exposure with CFL’s.

Covered, double-envelope CFL bulbs,
showed much lower levels of UV than the open curly bulb.

Summary of Part 2.
(Electromagnetic Emissions and Dirty Power Tests) 

Unlike the “old school” testing methods, Swiss researchers were commissioned to develop new techniques for more direct measurement of the affect of Electro-magnetic emissions upon the human body itself. Their claim is that this research provides the most extensive testing ever done on CFL’s.

Instructions To view Part 2 of the 2-part television series. Click on the video image (immediately below). A new window will open (as it did for Part 1,) but this time you need to click on the small video screen “Seg 2″ just below the main viewing screen. This will shift the video program to Part 2. (and, of course, more commercials to enjoy)

Part 2 – Shedding Some Light: (7min 24sec)

Rather than just measuring emissions in the air (like Health Canada did), the Swiss researchers measured what the EM emissions could do to the human body.

Dr. Mark Douglas stated that if the emissions were high enough they could stimulate nerves and muscles to the point it could cause problems. The severity of this would vary from person to person.

The Swiss researchers concluded that the emissions
from CFL Lamps COULD pose a health problem, even
though the lamps did meet International Guidelines.

Another researcher Magda Havas of Trent University (regarded as the leading researcher in the field) agrees with the Swiss researchers and feels that the International Standards are set too high and that is the reason why so many people are reporting adverse health issues with the bulbs.

CONCLUSIONS: At the very least, it has been acknowledged that “sensitive” people could experience adverse health effects. The only way to tell if CFL’s are implicated is to turn them off for a period of a few days and see if symptoms abate.

Dirty Electricity Video 

If you wish to view the more detailed report done by the “16:9″ Team in early 2009, click on the links below for Parts 1-3 of the series entitled “Dirty Electricity”   (the links will open in a new window).

      Dirty Electricity – Part 1 – Rays of Rash (CLICK HERE) 
       Dirty Electricity – Part 2 – Dirty Energy  (CLICK HERE) 
       Dirty Electricity – Part 3 – Reaction To The Rays (CLICK HERE) 
         
Part 4 of this Series is pulled in separately to this page as it deals specifically with locating concentrated points of Electro-magnetic pollution in your home environment. Perhaps you’ll be as shocked as the lady in the video whose house was being tested.

As more information surfaces on this topic I will post more, but for now, if you’ve read and watched everything in these three posts on the topic, you’re sure to be among the small percentage of people who are aware of this information. Tell your friends about this issue and send them to this blog.

Be Aware

As more and more new technologies are developed and rushed to market, it becomes increasingly harder for any regulatory bodies to keep pace with the complexities and subtleties of how they affect and interact with the delicate systems of the human body.

We simply cannot afford to assume everything is “safe”, just because it is available on the market. (“Caveat emptor” – Let The Buyer Beware).

I enjoy technology too, just like most people; there are lots of “pluses”, but it can be a “slippery slope” to some growing problems as this relatively small topic has uncovered.

Here is some ancient Chinese wisdom that I have found helpful to remember; “For every front, there is a back.”   For every “convenience” of modern life, there is a “flip side”; there is a “price” we have to pay for that convenience. The bottom line is this;

It’s simply prudent to BE AWARE of the cost 
before running up a “bill” that you cannot repay.

Better than have me rave on trying to describe to you what’s what, I’ve lined up a few videos that convey the message quite nicely. I found them quite eye-opening and as well as educational.

This first one  features Editor-In-Chief of EcoGeek.org, Hank Green. He conducts quite an amusing 5-minute demonstration and comparative assessment of the ZetaLux, EvoLux and CL-3 against CFL  and Incandescent Bulbs.

In addition to learning a thing or two about these bulbs, you’re quite likely to crack a smile every now and then too. Check it out.

Once you start looking around at LED’s you’ll notice that they carry a price tag in stunning contrast to what you have been used to. However, price per unit in comparison to the cheap and inefficient lighting we’ve been used to, is no comparison of real VALUE or long-term savings.

This post features the EarthLED Bulbs.
They all come supplied with a comprehensive 3 Year Warranty. 
Their rated life exceeds 25,000 Hours!!! 

Let’s see .. working that out at 4 hours per day, that’s over 17 years of use. Leave them switched on for 8 hours a day and you’ll still get over 8 1/2 years. On top of this, remember that you are also SAVING a HUGE amount on your electricity bill each year; which translates into significant dollars.

CICK HERE for a good info page on the advantages of LED lighting

The following 1 minute video demonstrates their durability. This is quite dramatic compared to what we have been used to in the old “incandescent world”.

LED’s to Replace Fluorescent Tubes

Most people are not aware that there are now also LED tubes to replace the standard Fluorescent Tubes (EarthLED DirectLED T8, T10, & T12) as demonstrated in the following 80 second video clip.

I don’t know about you, but I was quite impressed when I discovered all this. One comforting thought is that prices are sure to come down on these items as demand and production increases.

It’s now looking VERY much like a more eco-friendly and sustainable future definitely includes LED lighting as a high priority. I just need to get used to shifting my VALUE perspective a bit when considering bulb replacement in the future. We’ll just have to start .. one bulb at a time.

I must remember that quote by Helen Keller
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens;
but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”

Continuing on from my last post.

In Part 1 of this article I attempted to present a broader understanding of evidence relating to the negative impact that Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL’s) are having upon our health and the environment.

There is one part of the rationale used by the movement supporting the use of CFL’s, that I did not mention in Part 1. The logic is as follows. Greater lamp efficiency => less energy needed => less fossil fuels used => less mercury containing pollutants released into the atmosphere.

I don’t know who did the calculations on this one, but it seems to me that if there are devices already in existence that are MORE efficient than CFL’s AND also mercury free, then we should focus more in that direction; even if that alternative currently costs more.

What do YOU think? .. Maybe I’m missing something here. Please post a comment to enlighten me if you’ve found something that addresses this.

So, am I inferring that there ARE energy efficient, safer alternatives to CFL’s? YES INDEED; in fact, to me, it provides a much more attractive solution to the issue of lowering energy consumption and reducing polluting emissions. 

                  What Are Safe Alternatives to CFL Bulbs? 

Things are changing so fast that it’s hard to keep up with the technological advancements. What might have been considered only a mediocre alternative today, may evolve to be a GREAT solution a month or two down the track.

  LED (Light-Emitting Diode) Lamps

Typically, LED’s are  more expensive than CFL’s, but as consumer demand grows for this product prices will eventually come down. The LED’s are far better for the environment than CFLs AND more efficient.

                        BENEFITS of LED Lamps  
                   – Contain NO Mercury
                   – Last longer than CFL’s 
                   – More Energy Efficient than CFL’s 
                   – Very little, if any, EMF pollution.

A quick search on the internet will come up with suppliers in your area. One Australian source that specializes in LED lamps is the OnLine LED Shop.

This online store also provides a handy “Light Globe Conversion Chart” that compares light output, power consumption, running costs etc. for the four major lighting sources: LED, CFL’s. Halogen and Incandescent bulbs.  It’s a PDF that you can access by clicking HERE.

Naturally, prices can vary hugely depending on where you shop. To help you further with finding the BEST PRICE on the internet for LED’s or whatever you are looking for, make sure you read the section below entitled “How To Find The BEST PRICE For Safe, Energy Efficient Lighting“ 

Halogen Bulbs 

I have tended to associate Halogen Bulbs with the automotive industry during my growing up years. The more I dig into this subject I find there is quite a history to the halogen bulb.

There have been many technological improvements, particularly over recent years to where they are now a viable, clean alternative to CFL’s. For a very in-depth look into the various aspects of this technology, visit SuperGreenMe.com for an excellent article on the subject. There are some “pluses” and some “minuses” here depending on the application.

                                 BENEFITS of HALOGEN Bulbs 
                   – Contain NO Mercury (high efficiency bulbs)
                   – Last much longer than incandescent  
                   – More Energy Efficient than incandescent
                   – No EMF pollution.

For a handy PDF comparing the LED with the Halogen Lamps CLICK HERE

Technological Advances Are Constantly Bringing
New Products to the Market Place

I noticed when I was checking into resources, that articles written only a couple of years ago, were actually very much outdated, in terms of what was available now in the market place.

If you really want to stay up to speed on this subject, here’s a very unassuming little site that I stumbled across. It’s called Don Klipstein’s Lighting Info Site!

There’s probably as wide a variety of useful information available here about anything to do with light bulbs than you’ll find anywhere. You just have to use the “FIND” or “SEARCH” tool in your browser to find what you want. Check out his writings on “The great Internet Light Bulb Book – Part 1″

  How to deal with the “Dirty Electricity”

In the video featured in Part 1 of this article there was mention of the use of certain devices that could cleanup or neutralize the “dirty electricity”  in your home. Remember that EMF Pollution (“dirty electricity”) is not only produced by the use of CFL’s but also various other electronic appliances in your home.

This is really a subject for another article, but for now, have a look into the device mentioned in the video; the “GS Filter” or the Graham-Stetzer Filter. Just by plugging this device into your household circuit it is claimed to “filter” or “harmonize” Electro-magnetic pollution in the home.

For a good resource of information and products I invite you to check out DirtyElectricity.ca.

How to Find the BEST PRICE
for Safe, Energy Efficient Lighting

We have a quick and easy solution to help you find the best price for LED’s, or anything, for that matter. It’s a tiny, patented software application called MyShoppingGenie. It WILL save you time and money.

The best part is that it is totally FREE.
Our GIFT to you.
To claim your personal Shopping Genie please visit
www.MYShoppingGenieGift.com
(tell your friends about it too.)

As time goes on, and more people get turned on to the idea of using LED bulbs you can be sure that the price will come down and efficiency will be further improved.

This information could benefit you
or someone you care about

In Part 3 I’ll focus more on how CFL’s are adversely affecting human health. Stay informed. This information could provide you with a very quick and easy solution to a health concern that you or someone you know may be having. Better still, it could PREVENT it from occurring in the first place.

Other useful LINKS:

Mercury Use In Lighting – Aug 2008 – Great facts Sheet CLICK HERE
Disposal of Lamps Containing Mercury (hg) CLICK HERE
PDF (Jan’08) Alternatives to Mercury-Containing Light Sources CLICK HERE
Information & Resources www.DirtyElectricity.org
                                 www.DirtyElectricity.ca
Thanks to www.Chevychevy.com for the LED pic

“I can’t stand a naked light bulb,
any more than I can a rude remark
or a vulgar action.”   
                                             .. Tennessee Williams
                                               (from “A Streetcar Named Desire”)

Other countries planning scheduled phase-outs in the next two to four years, include Argentina, Italy, Russia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union and the United States.

Logical vs Sensible

The current "global warming" hysteria seems to be racing in one direction like a bull at a gate. In response, some “solutions” are being written into law that leave me scratching my head as to their logic.

Take the whole issue around finding more energy-efficient alternatives to lighting, for example. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are leading the pack as the preferred “green” alternative.

Did you know that these CFLs contain toxic mercury and that, when disposed of, they contaminate landfills and the environment? But that’s not all. There’s even more issues that make them hazardous to your health just by using them.

Why offer alternatives that may save energy
.. but create more problems?

Compact Fluorescent Lamps such as the one in this photo, may be more energy efficient than the regular incandescent bulb but they are definitely not any safer.

In the event of lamp breakage in your home, how do you feel knowing that in addition to the inconvenience of broken glass you now have highly toxic mercury to deal with?

In February 2008 the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) published a report of their findings after spending months breaking CFL bulbs in a lab; they experimented with various cleanup strategies and measuring toxic “fallout” from the breakage. Please explore the links below.

Maine Compact Fluorescent Lamp Breakage Study Report
For the Full 206 page Report (PDF) from the
Maine Department of Environmental Protection
- CLICK HERE –

Executive Summary 
- CLICK HERE -

For a shorter read, which picks out highlights of the report, please reference the March 17th 2008 article entitled DEP Sheds Light On Bulb Dangers – Portland Press Herald.

The final report admitted basically that the challenges exceeded what consumers and government agencies had first thought.

The Federal and State safety standard for mercury-vapor in the air is 300 nanograms per cubic meter of air. According to the report, the DEP experiments revealed that broken bulbs often created levels that exceeded 300 nanograms and sometimes even exceeded 25,000 – 30,000 nanograms per cub. met. for short periods of time.

The Main Thing To Remember
With CFL or Fluorescent Breakage.
DO NOT USE A VACUUM TO CLEAN UP.
This will spread the mercury vapor and dust throughout the area
and could potentially contaminate the vacuum cleaner itself.

According to the Portland Press Herald article, Deborah Rice, a toxicologist with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that “The safety standard is based on long-term exposure for adults in industrial settings. No one knows what is a safe level of short-term exposure for children or fetuses, or exactly how dangerous a broken bulb might be. .. We don’t really know (Ed: what the risks are). .. The only thing we can advise is, clean up as well as you can and recognize when you vacuum a month later, you’ll stir up mercury again.” 

- Cleaning up after a CFL breakage - 
Here is some guidance from the
Environmental Protection Agency on what to do
if a Fluorescent or CFL Light Bulb Breaks
 - CLICK HERE -

Recycling and Dumping:
What about the additional issue now of recycling and/or "dumping" of this toxic material? Don’t we have enough toxins to deal with already?

But wait, there is still another “down-side” that few people are aware of.

Health Impact:
Would  you have ever thought that one of these bulbs could drastically affect a persons blood sugar levels? (more on this in an upcoming post), What about migraine headaches; sleep abnormalities; fatigue and other health problems?

I would like to know why the mainstream “green” pundits seem so reluctant to regard this as any significant issue?

The "Dirty" Secret.

Well, it’s not exactly a “secret”, but recent research is demonstrating that CFL’s produce what is called "dirty electricity".

The following video clip contains an interview by CBC Montreal’s environment columnist, Geeta Nadkarni and Magda Havas, of Trent University, regarded as the leading researcher in the field. Tom Nadas (of EMF Security) provides a demonstration of the "dirty electricity" produced by the CFL’s.

Check it out, you’ll be amazed. (Video Length only 3 min 42 sec)

There is heaps more information easily available on the internet regarding this topic if you care to dig a little. This is all I have to say for the moment regarding the hazards of Compact Fluorescent Lamps.

In Part 2 of this article I’ll pull together some information about what is available as safe alternatives to efficient, energy-saving “green” lighting.

The following has nothing to do with CFL’s at all, but here’s a little quote that caught my attention. It’ll give you something else to ponder over (or not).

Who is more foolish,
the child afraid of the dark
or the man afraid of the light? 
~Maurice Freehill