Within the context of the promotion of wide-spread use of energy saving lamps, such as
compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and the possible phase-out of incandescent lamps, it
has been claimed that the symptoms of several diseases may be aggravated in the
presence of energy saving lamps (mainly CFLs).
SCENIHR did not find suitable direct scientific data on the relationship between energy
saving lamps and the symptoms in patients with various conditions (i.e xeroderma
pigmentosum, lupus, migraine, epilepsy, myalgic encephalomyelitis, Irlen-Meares
syndrome, fibromyalgia, electrosensitivity, AIDS/HIV, dyspraxia, and autism). Therefore,
SCENIHR examined whether three lamp characteristics (flicker, electromagnetic fields,
and UV/blue light emission) could act as triggers for disease symptoms. Due to lack of
data on CFLs, existing data on traditional fluorescent tubes were extrapolated to
situations when compact fluorescent lamps may be used.
While for some conditions either flicker and/or UV/blue light could exacerbate symptoms,
there is no reliable evidence that the use of fluorescent tubes was a significant
contributor. Of all compact fluorescent lamps properties, only UV/blue light radiation was
identified as a potential risk factor for the aggravation of the light-sensitive symptoms in
some patients with such diseases as chronic actinic dermatitis and solar urticaria.
The committee wishes to draw attention of the Commission Services to the fact that it
has been observed that some single-envelope CFLs emit UVB and traces of UVC
radiation. Under extreme conditions (i.e. prolonged exposures at distances <20 cm)
these CFLs may lead to UV exposures approaching the current workplace limit set to
protect workers from skin and retinal damage.
Due to the lack of relevant data, the number of all light-sensitive patients in the
European Union, who might be at risk from the increased levels of UV/blue light radiation
generated by CFL is difficult to estimate. However, a preliminary rough estimation of the
worst-case scenario yields a number of around 250,000 individuals (0.05% of the
population) in the EU.
The committee notes that the use of double-envelope energy saving bulbs or similar
technology would largely or entirely mitigate both the risk of approaching workplace
limits on UV emissions in extreme conditions and the risk of aggravating the symptoms
of light-sensitive individuals.