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) A small number of cases of reactions to linear fluorescent tube flicker have been recorded, but these were
Related Questions
- Why is Preston Public Utilities providing free compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to all of their residential customers?
- Is the level of ultraviolet (UV) light emitted by compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) a cause for concern?
- Are compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) safe to use for people with light sensitive conditions?
