Toxic vapors from energy-saving lamps

Toxic vapors and electrosmog from energy-saving lamps

21/04/2011

According to research by the Norddeutsche Rundfunk (NDR), energy-saving lamps should dispose of harmful vapors during use. The lamps, for example, the substance phenol, which is suspected of causing cancer. The results of the NDR are now confirmed critics. By the end of these years, all old bulbs will be replaced by energy-saving lamps. The Federal Environment Agency warns, however, of a premature „hysteria“ and sees little health hazards for consumers. The lamps, but the substance phenol, which is suspected of causing cancer.

Energy-saving lamps massively reduce CO2 emissions
Saving energy should already start with energy saving lamps. A decisive advantage compared to conventional light bulbs lies in the general light output. Because an energy-saving lamp can convert about 25 percent of the electrical current into light. Conventional light bulbs convert just five percent of electricity into light. The rest of the stream is released as heat. The use of energy-saving bulbs can greatly reduce CO2 emissions. All this sounds very good at first, in order to prepare for the upcoming nuclear energy exit. But according to research by the NDR the saving lamps in use not a few harmful vapors from. This has been the result of analyzes carried out on behalf of the broadcaster. The focus of the criticism is mainly the chemical phenol, which is suspected to promote cancer.

Economizer but pollutants
The NDR had a selection of different energy-saving light bulbs tested in a legally certified laboratory. During the investigations, the testers were able to test a whole series of „toxic substances“ determine how the transmitter told. Of particular concern is the fact that the lamps tested emit chemical substances in the form of fumes to the nearer environment, as the sender cited an expert and expert on indoor pollutants. A lamp producer had already responded to the reports and announced, "trace back the way of bringing the substances mentioned," as the NDR reported. The measured substances could also be produced by adhesives or individual components of the products. These are now being studied more closely to eliminate the harmful secretions.

Umweltamt warns against hysteria: "verifiable values ​​very low"
In the Federal Environment Agency you can see the NDR report rather critical. One should the results „do not overestimate“, As a spokesman said on Monday the press. Although it can not be ruled out that harmful substances actually escape "in which a carcinogenic potential can not be excluded", however, the concentrations are relatively low. But one does not want to deny that the lamps can release the pollutants phenol, naphthalene and styrene in use. In addition, so-called aromatics can be detected, which can lead to mucous membrane irritation and irritation of the conjunctivae under certain circumstances. However, according to the Federal Environment Agency, the outflowing values ​​are so low that one assumes that „no health risks“ existed. Accordingly, consumers would have no „health consequences“ to fear when using the lamps. In addition, the experts used only new products and had them burned for three days in a specially designed chamber. That then the lamps actually release toxic gases, was „to be expected“, as a spokesman for the authority explained. Under normal conditions in the living room, the outflows are very low and therefore „negligible“.

Mercury in high concentration
Since September 2009, conventional bulbs have been replaced by energy-efficient lamps throughout the European Union (EU). By the beginning of 2012, all old light bulbs will disappear from the trade. In Germany, it has become almost impossible to purchase old lamps. Only a few specialist shops have hoarded inventories for customers. Not for the first time experts criticize energy-saving lamps. In addition to the harmful secretions, the lamps also contain mercury in high concentration. However, mercury can only have health consequences for humans if the bulb breaks down and chemical gases escape. In such a case, the defective lamps must be disposed of immediately, the hands are thoroughly washed and all rooms are flooded with fresh air.

Electrosmog by energy-efficient lamps
In February of this year, an ARD magazine reported on tests that measured significant electrosmog on new energy-saving bulbs. Thus, the lamps would cause a 20 times stronger smog than, for example, allow limits for PC monitors. According to the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, the saving lamps send up to 60 kilohertz. That's about the same as the frequency of a cordless phone. Since not only a lamp burns in an apartment, the load can quickly increase. According to the Bavarian Environmental Office „an impairment of health“ nevertheless not to be expected. In individual studies, no transgressions were found, as it was said.

However, the negative reports will provide critics with enough food to campaign against energy-efficient bulbs. The fact remains that health risks due to electrosmog and toxic vapors must be ruled out despite the ecological advantage. The manufacturers have to work harder on this in the future. (Sb)

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Image: Viktor Mildenberger