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CFL Safety

In June 2009, Health Canada released a report on compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) safety. The report states that the amount of UV produced by CFLs is "so small that is not considered hazardous to your health. A number of international scientific studies have found no health issues within the general population that are associated with the use of fluorescent lights."
Read the full Health Canada report.

Can CFLs cause headaches?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states:

"The vast majority of CFL users, both in households and in commercial buildings, report no issues regarding CFL usage, including headaches. There are some anecdotal reports, however, and, although there is yet no research to directly explain any plausible causative mechanism, it may be possible that some people are susceptible to such headache effects just as some people claim to be annoyed by normal fluorescent lighting. However, the overwhelming numbers of people that use CFLs report no such negative effects."

Do CFLs emit UV rays?

All types of lighting, including fluorescent tube, incandescent, halogen and compact fluorescent bulbs, emit a very small amount of ultraviolet (UV) light. In some cases, regular incandescent bulbs can emit more UV than CFLs.

If you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to UV light, or if you sit closer than 30 centimetres (12 inches) for more than 1 hour a day, choose a CFL with a plastic cover over the spiral. The plastic cover will filter out this small amount of UV light. Your lamp shade or the cover on your light fixture will also help to block UV light.

Do CFLs emit electric and magnetic fields (EMFs)?

Any product that is plugged into an electrical outlet is surrounded by EMFs, even if they are not turned on. Health Canada does not consider EMFs from CFLs to be a health risk.

Is there mercury in CFLs?

Yes. CFLs contain a small amount of mercury to produce light; about 3 milligrams, roughly the amount it would take to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. In comparison, your wristwatch battery may contain 25 milligrams of mercury and a mercury thermometer may contain 500 milligrams of mercury. According to Health Canada, there is no risk to your health when the lamps are intact. Even when a CFL does break, there is a very low risk to your health, unless you mishandle it or store it carelessly.

What do I do if a CFL breaks?

In using CFLs, we recommend that customers follow the manufacturer's instructions. To lower the risk that a light bulb will break when you are installing or removing the unit, hold the bulb by its plastic base. If a bulb breaks in your home, detailed instructions on what to do can be found on Health Canada's website.

Where can I find more information on CFLs and my health?

How do I safely dispose of my CFLs?

Just like paint, batteries, thermostats, and other household items, CFLs should be disposed of safely. The best way to dispose of used CFL bulbs is to recycle them at any Home Depot). You can also take used CFL bulbs to the household hazardous waste collection depot for free disposal. Information on the depot locations and hours of operation is also available by calling the City of Winnipeg recycling and garbage information line at 986-8888, Code 9811 or contacting 311.