Common Questions about Fluorescent and LED Lighting

Is fluorescent lighting energy efficient?

Fluorescent lighting produces less heat than a traditional incandescent bulb, thus making it more energy efficient. On average, a fluorescent bulb lasts four to six times longer than incandescent bulbs. While fluorescent lighting saves electricity, they’ve also been shown to create energy depleting symptoms for the human body, reducing efficiency and overall vitality.

 

Who invented fluorescent lighting?

Fluorescent lighting was invented by Peter Cooper Hewitt in 1901, when he was awarded a patent for his low-pressure mercury vapor lamp. This laid the foundation for the next generation of fluorescent light – a high-pressure mercury vapor lamp invented by Edmund Germer, Friedrich Meyer and Hans Spanner in 1927. In 1938, the first practical fluorescent light bulb was created by George Inman, in collaboration with General Electric, and debuted at the New York World’s Fair in 1939.

 

How fluorescent lighting works

  1. A hollow glass tube is coated on the inside with different colored phosphors
  2. At either end of the tube is an electrode (anode and cathode)
  3. Sealed in the center of the glass tube is a small amount of mercury vapor
  4. As an electric arc travels through the mercury vapor, it causes a reaction that creates UV radiation
  5. The UV rays strike the phosphors coating the inside of the lamp tube
  6. The phosphors then fluoresce, producing fluorescent visible light

http://www.naturalux.com/NaturaLux_Lighting_Filters_UVinfo.htm

 

Do fluorescent lights produce heat

Fluorescent lights are designed to produce light with much less heat as incandescent bulbs do (approximately 90% less). Because fluorescent lights do not waste as much energy on heat, they last longer and are more efficient.

 

What type of spectrum is fluorescent light

The type of spectrum fluorescent light emits is significantly bluer and less infrared than natural sunlight or incandescent bulbs. The light in a general fluorescent spectrum is predominantly blue, with a minor amount of green and red wavelengths. This can also vary based on the individual bulb.

 

What is T8 fluorescent lighting?

Fluorescent Lighting Bulb Sizes:

  • T8 fluorescent lights are bulbs that are 1″ in diameter.
  • T12 lamps 1 ½ inches in diameter.
  • T5 lamps are 5/8th in diameter.

Smaller fluorescent lighting lamps are more energy efficient. T8 bulbs use an average of 35% less electricity to produce an equivalent amount of light as a T12 bulb.

https://www.bluestonehockley.com/quickfacts-transitioning-from-t12-to-t8-t5-or-led-lighting-for-commercial-buildings/

 

Do fluorescent lights flicker?

Fluorescent lights produce both visible and invisible flickering. When working optimally, fluorescent lights pulse very quickly at a rate we are unable to consciously see. This subtle flicker movement is still sending signals to the brain and has been known to cause eyestrain, headaches and other ailments for those with an extreme sensitivity to light.

 

How to soften fluorescent lighting

To soften fluorescent lighting:

  • Install Naturalux fluorescent  light filters on top of your existing fluorescent light panels, fluorescent light covers, or fluorescent diffusers. These filters are easy install and can last up to ten years. If you’ve changed a fluorescent bulb before, you can install our filters. Tube filters simply slide over your current bulbs, and panel filters can be taped to parabolic or prismatic fixtures.

https://www.makegreatlight.com/about-us/installation

https://www.makegreatlight.com/products/fluorescent-light-covers

 

How do you block fluorescent light?

Fluorescent light covers are an easy DIY project and should take less than 1 -2 minutes per fixture. How to Install Light Filters to Block Fluorescent Light:

  • Step 1 – Measure twice: Per your light fixture manufacturer’s instructions, open the door for the light fixture. Some fixtures are hinged on one side and have release tabs on the other. Once the door is open, measure the inside dimensions (length and width) of the fixture. The fluorescent light filter will lay on top of the parabolic, between the bulbs. While you have access to the light fixture, this is a great time to inspect the bulbs. If your bulbs are darkened at the ends, the bulb is probably near end of life. Replace the bulbs before continuing. Bulbs that are near end of life generate a lot of heat, which could damage your filters.
  • Step 2 – Cut once: Lay your fluorescent overlay filter on a flat surface and tape it in place. Transfer your measurements to the overlay filter using a long straight edge. Using scissors, a sharp razor or X-Acto knife, cut the filter to size. If using a razor or X-Acto knife, make sure you don’t damage the surface underneath the filter.
  • Step 3 – Tape into place: Before taping into place, make sure the reflective side is UP towards the bulbs. This will make cleaning off dust and dirt easier in the future. For parabolic overlays, tape each corner, ensuring that the filter is square with the fixture to keep the fluorescent light filter in place. For prismatic lenses and diffusers, align the overlay panel on the lens and tape into place.
  • Step 4 – Close it up: Once the overlay filter has been positioned and fastened with tape, you can close the fixture according to your manufacturer’s instructions and enjoy your natural, full-spectrum light for years to come. Since our products are 100% recyclable, please dispose of your scraps in the nearest plastic recycle bin.

https://www.makegreatlight.com/about-us/installation

 

How to make fluorescent lighting less harsh

To make fluorescent lighting less harsh:

  • Try installing high-quality fluorescent light covers that have filtering capability to truly transform the light. At Naturalux, our filters eliminate 100% of UV up to 380nm, up to 99% up to 390nm, and up to 80% up to 400nm, present in fluorescent lighting.

https://www.makegreatlight.com/products/fluorescent-light-covers

 

How do fluorescent lights affect health?

Fluorescent light affects health in many ways, including:

  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Visual Fatigue & Eye Strain
  • Sleep Disruption
  • Lupus & Fibromyalgia
  • Mood Disorders
  • Skin Disorders, Including Cancer

https://www.makegreatlight.com/products/fluorescent-light-covers

 

Can fluorescent lighting cause headaches?

Headaches can be caused by exposure to fluorescent lighting, due to the harsh glare they produce. Constant visual stimulation, such as glare, cause your retinas to work harder to establish a clear image. This can lead to eyestrain and visual fatigue, which can trigger headaches and migraines. Some people may have more light sensitivity than others.

 

Do flourescent light headache glasses work?

Fluorescent light headache glasses (which have a special tint called FL-41) are one approach to blocking out specific light frequencies that cause stress to your brain and vision. While these glasses filter light or glare directly in front of your eyes, light from overhead and in your peripheral view can still be problematic. Fluorescent light filters on the bulbs themselves offer a holistic and effective solution to help mitigate the negative side-effects of working under fluorescent light.

 

Can fluorescent lighting make you dizzy?

Sensitivity to light, in extreme cases a condition called Photophobia, can cause a number of different ailments including:

  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo
  • Migraines
  • Headaches
  • Mood Disorders
  • And more

The wavelength and color of the light are important factors. The Blue-green light that characterizes fluorescent lighting has been shown to be most likely to trigger light sensitivity symptoms such as dizziness.

 

Can fluorescent lights trigger migraines?

Fluorescent lights can be a trigger for migraines, headaches and other physical/mood disorders. Fluorescent lights flicker – containing an invisible pulsing pattern – and cause glare. These factors have been shown to induce the type of visual fatigue and eyestrain that characterize a migraine trigger, to those with a sensitivity to light.

 

Do fluorescent lights cause eye strain?

Visual processing requires a lot of energy from your body. Eye strain often occurs as a result of staring at a computer monitor or digital screen and can be exacerbated by the glare of fluorescent lights. Symptoms of eye strain:

  • Eye fatigue
  • Redness, Irritation or dryness
  • Headaches
  • Blurry vision
  • Eye irritation
  • Itching or burning in the eyes
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Back pain
  • General fatigue
  • Arm, wrist and/or shoulder pain
  • Tearing

https://www.makegreatlight.com/benefits/fluorescent-light-headaches

https://www.makegreatlight.com/about-us/blog/guide-computer-eye-strain-symptoms

https://www.bulletproof.com/products/head-strong-book Head Strong (Page 156)

 

Does fluorescent lighting cause cancer?

The UV radiation found in fluorescent lighting is present in two forms: UVB and UVA. UV radiation has long been known to cause a myriad of health problems. In the 1992 edition of the American Journal of Epidemiology, it was found that fluorescent lights emit “10-30 times” more UVB radiation than the sun does. UVB radiation has been found to be carcinogenic (cancer causing).

 

Can fluorescent lighting make you tired?

Fluorescent lighting has been shown to put stress on our bodies in a number of ways – including sleep pattern disruption, which makes you tired. While there can be many factors to insomnia, one contributing factor is due to the body’s production of serotonin and melatonin. Fluorescent lighting can have a huge impact on the pineal gland’s ability to regulate melatonin and serotonin.

 

Do fluorescent lights have uvb?

The UV radiation found in fluorescent lights is present in two forms: UVB (280-320 nanometers [nm]) and UVA (320 to 400 nm). In the 1992 edition of the American Journal of Epidemiology, it was found that fluorescent lights emit “10-30 times” more UVB radiation than the sun does.

 

Do fluorescent lights damage skin

The UV radiation found in fluorescent lights is present in the form of both UVB and UVA. UVB are the UV rays that cause damage to the surface/epidermis layer of the skin – such as with:

  • Sunburns and tanning
  • Non-melanoma and melanoma cancers

UVB affects the Because UVA is capable of penetrating deeper into the skin. It affects the dermis layer, such as with:

  • Premature aging (freckling, fine wrinkling, and dilatation of capillaries)

 

How led lights work

LED (light-emitting diode) lights are comprised of tiny bulbs that fit seamlessly into an electrical circuit. LED lights differ from traditional incandescent bulbs in that they do not get extremely hot and they don’t have a filament that burns out. LEDs can last thousands of hours longer than incandescent bulbs.

 

Do led lights flicker

When LED (light-emitting diode) lights receive a consistent, flowing current through the bulb, they generally will not flicker. However, the use of dimmer switches with LEDs has become a known culprit in causing LED lights to flicker. In some cases, the flicker can be caused by a power supply issue as well.

 

Harmful effects of led lights

Harmful effects of LED lights include:

  • Damaging the retina of the eye, which can cause both health and safety problems
  • Disrupting circadian rhythm, which can lead to stress, fatigue and overall reduction in vitality
  • Containing arsenic, lead, and other potentially dangerous substances, which can cause cancer

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/led-lightbulb-concerns/

http://theconversation.com/american-medical-association-warns-of-health-and-safety-problems-from-white-led-streetlights-61191

 

Are led lights bad for your eyes?

Though LED (light-emitting diode) lights are considered to be eco-friendlier and more cost efficient, research suggests they can be bad for your eyes. A study has shown that repeated exposure to the blue light emitted by LEDs can cause permanent damage to the cells in the retina of the eye.

 

Are led lights energy efficient?

LED (light-emitting diode) lights can last up to five times longer than a traditional incandescent bulb. Their average lifespan is 25,000 hours. LED lights also do not heat up much and thus are considered to be very energy efficient.

 

Can led lights trigger migraines?

The blue light emitted by LED (light-emitting diode) lights, as well as their tendency to flicker, has been shown to trigger migraines – especially in those individuals with an extreme sensitivity to light. LED lights have also been shown to negatively affect the retina of the human eye. This can lead to eyestrain and visual fatigue, which can trigger migraines.

 

Can led lights cause headaches?

The blue light emitted by LED (light-emitting diode) lights, as well as their tendency to flicker, has been shown to trigger headaches – especially in those individuals with an extreme sensitivity to light. LED lights have also been shown to negatively affect the retina of the human eye. This can lead to eyestrain and visual fatigue, which can trigger headaches.

 

Are led lights full spectrum?

There are LED (light-emitting diode) lights that are full spectrum and LED lights that are not full spectrum. Full spectrum light bulbs are also known as daylight bulbs. They are designed to provide a spectrum of light closer to that found in natural sunlight. White LED lightbulbs that are commonly found in our homes and cities do not have the infrared and red spectrums always found in natural sunlight. There are certain types of full spectrum LED “grow lights” often used in gardening.

For more information please visit:

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