Do Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) produce a hazardous amount of UV light?
Regular fluorescent light bulbs used in your home and office, including CFLs, do not produce a hazardous amount of ultraviolet light (UV). Ultraviolet light rays are the light wavelengths that can cause sunburn and skin damage. Most light sources, including fluorescent bulbs, emit a small amount of UV light, but the UV light produced by fluorescent light bulbs is far less than the amount produced by natural daylight. The amount of UV given off by regular fluorescent light bulbs used in your home and office are not hazardous. A recent report from E Source indicates a level of UV radiation from CFLs at a range of 50-140 microwatts/lumen. In comparison, this report also sites that some incandescent products have been found to have UV levels exceeding 100 microwatts/ lumen. UV filters may be available through some manufacturers. Additionally, some manufacturers have low UV bulbs in their product lines, for especially sensitive areas.
