Phone:
+44(0)1935 812447
Mobile:
+44(0)7970 025924
Email:
jb@jb-ld.co.uk
11-02-2009
Are CFL lamps safe?
There are arguments for and against the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). Some of those arguments don�t really stand up to scrutiny, but there are some serious aspects that, in my opinion, haven�t been properly addressed. The health scares that have been stirred up in the press are grossly exaggerated; we�ve had fluorescent lighting in our working lives for more than half a century, so the true numbers of those affected by that type of light are already known. But the real problem affects us all; the safe disposal of CFL lamps is not something that can be down-played. These lamps contain toxic materials (though they are perfectly safe in normal use) and we must find suitable ways of ensuring that dead lamps don�t find their ways into landfill, which would ultimately find these toxins bleeding into the water system.
So there is an important message here: save energy by using CFL lamps, but PLEASE dispose of them correctly. I take ours to the council recycling facility.
Do I have to accept poorer lighting if I use low energy lamps?
No � not at all, although I have sympathy with some people�s experiences. The lighting industry hasn�t done enough to help itself to gain the confidence of its customers and that�s been the biggest problem.
The common complaints are these:
CFL lamps take too long to come to full brightness:
All true � but the situation is improving as the science gets better. For me, its about accepting a bit of change. Is it a problem, or is it something that�s just a bit different.
But the light is too dull:
Two things here � I know that first impressions are important, but the dullness that we experience when we switch on a CFL soon disappears once its come to full brightness, and, there is a more serious issue of understanding what size of lamp you need to use to replace an incandescent lamp. If you�re using a 100W light bulb, there isn�t a CFL or LED lamp to replace it, so you need to think a bit more carefully about what you�re trying to do.
On a personal point, in my living room I�ve replaced six 60W candle lamps with six 12W CFL lamps. No problem, just an electricity meter going round slower. But I�m keen to see how the new LED lamps perform, because they may provide an even bigger saving.
And the light is too cold:
You�re using the wrong type of lamp. Fluorescent lamps are available in a number of different colour temperatures, and the CFLs that you�ll buy in a supermarket will usually be the ones that properly replace incandescent lamps, but if you�re buying from a market stall or from a geezer in the pub, you may be buying one of the less suitable versions.
Always check that the CFL lamps that you buy for your home have a colour temperature of 2700K. It should be shown on the packaging and on the lamp.
I don�t get the same spotlight effect as I used to?
Ah � here we have a real problem with fluorescent replacements for tungsten halogen lamps. There�s a clever bit of science going on here, but to no good end, I�m afraid. Tungsten halogen lamps are designed to collect as much light from the filament as possible, re-focus it and send that light down a controlled light beam. Putting a coil of fluorescent tube into such a small lamp is clever, but it�s impossible to focus that light into a defined beam. So you used to have a beautifully lit piece of artwork � or maybe some working light on your kitchen worktop, and now it�s disappeared. And that�s why.
The answer is to look at LED options. Earlier LED versions were also annoyingly diffuse, but the latest lamps may give you the answer that you�re looking for. But buy one and check first before committing to a wholesale change. This is a tricky one.
Greenwashing: a guidline for good behaviour
The elephant box in the room
What Lighting Designers Should be Looking For . . . and Asking For
The Children's Fire
Products That Last - Redux
Products That Last - Review No.3
Products That Last - Review No.2
Products That Last - Review No.1
Products That Last
Talking about Waste - as we were . . .
Sustainability - They Seek it Here, They Seek it There . . .
Sustainability - the core message
The Life and Times of the LED - a series in ten parts
Sustainability: They Seek it Here; They Seek it There . . .
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
John Bullock writes a regular column for lighting magazines. You can find all of the archived pieces here.
BLOGS - LIGHTING DESIGN
John Bullock writes about all things and anything concerning architectural lighting design; new technologies and old lamps; anything,really.
HOME LIGHTING CONSULTANT
John Bullock designs innovative lighting designs for people's homes. By working closely with clients he is able to deliver solutions that meet - and exceed - their expectations.
BLOGS - CPD RIBA CORE PROGRAMME 2015
John Bullock will be presenting a seminar on latest lighting design and technologies as part of the RIBA CPD Core programme 2015
BLOGS - SUSTAINABILITY
John Bullock believes that the UK lighting industry needs to embrace a sustainable way of delivering good quality product through good design, fabrication and end-of-life management.
BLOGS - LIGHTING HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Lighting has a vital role to play in our health and wellbeing.
CONDUIT (6) - Lighting for Winter Gardens
CONDUIT 5: Home Lighting - LED Lighting (2)
FX Magazine: Lighting Focus - Sustainability (Issue 258)
CONDUIT 4: Home Lighting - LED Lighting (1)
Can Smart Lighting Save The Planet?
CONDUIT 3: Home Lighting - The Bathroom
Can Lighting Save Us From Ourselves . . . NO!
CONDUIT 2: Home Lighting - The Dining Room
Read More
John Bullock Lighting Design
4 Miller Way
Sherborne
Dorset
DT9 3SG
England
Website designed by Alacrify