Federal agency takes 'precautionary step' to gather reliable technical data

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By Cole Hobson
Times & Transcript Staff

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Health Canada is undergoing research to measure ultraviolet emissions and electromagnetic field exposure levels from Compact Fluorescent Lights, to ensure the safety of the energy-efficient bulbs.

However, the federal department has yet to comment on just how serious a problem this could potentially be and what it might mean for those who own the bulbs.

"Even though the bulk of scientific studies to date have not identified any health-related issues, Health Canada has decided to test the bulbs to acquire reliable technical data," said Health Canada spokesman Philippe Laroche in a prepared statement. "If tests show there are reasons for concern, the department will take appropriate action with manufacturers to correct the issue."

The testing of these products began in December. Laroche says it is expected to be complete by this fall.

"If the tests establish that there are reasons for concern, actions will be taken to force manufacturers to correct the situation. The health and safety of Canadians is of the utmost importance to the Government of Canada," Laroche said.

A request to Health Canada for further information on what Canadians who have CFLs should do until the study results are released and what impact prolonged exposure to the bulbs might have was not returned by press time.

Anthony Toderian, spokesman for the Canadian Standards Association, says although extensive testing is done to ensure the safety of CFLs, it does not fall under the group's mandate to look at matters regarding ultraviolet emissions.

"The CSA standard for CFLs covers mainly electrical safety -- things like shock and fire and end of life how the bulbs burn out in the end, to make sure they do so in a safe manner," Toderian said.

"There are set parameters for design and construction but, in terms of anything regarding UV light, currently that is not included in the standards.

"But CSA standards are updated a minimum of every five years and, as new technologies evolve, we certainly look at things that could be included in order to make the product categories safer."

Toderian said it is up to federal agencies like Health Canada to monitor for health issues like UV, but says the CSA is certainly interested in the findings of the study. Toderian says the first edition of safety regulations for CFLs was published in 1995. The most recent version was published in 2006 and work will begin this year on the next edition.

CFLs have recently come under scrutiny from the United Kingdom-based Health Protection Agency.

In an October 2008 news release, the Agency announced that it recently discovered that some energy-saving CFLs can emit ultraviolet emissions at levels, which under certain conditions of use, can result in exposures higher than guideline levels.

"This is precautionary advice and people should not be thinking of removing these energy-saving light bulbs from their homes," said Health Protection Agency chief executive Justin McCracken in the group's news release.

"We are advising people to avoid using the open light bulbs for prolonged close work until the problem is sorted out and to use encapsulated bulbs instead. In other situations where people are not likely to be very close to the bulbs for any length of time, all types of compact fluorescent light bulbs are safe to use."

The agency's scientists found that not all fluorescent light bulbs had significant UV emissions, but if people are in close proximity to some bulbs, the result for bare skin is similar to being outside in direct sunlight. When further than 30 centimetres or 1 foot away, the research stated the ultraviolet level was much less and was similar to being outside on a sunny day in winter, which is not a concern.