Concerns raised over fluorescent bulbs

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- A Canadian doctor says ultraviolet radiation from compact fluorescent bulbs may have "devastating" health implications for people with autoimmune diseases.

British Columbia family physician Dr. Janis McCaffrey, who suffers from lupus, is concerned about the possible dangers of fluorescent bulbs and is urging the Canadian government to slow its campaign to eliminate traditional incandescent bulbs, The Vancouver Sun reported Thursday.

"Health Canada has issued a warning on its Web site saying persons with lupus or other autoimmune diseases and certain skin conditions might be sensitive to ultraviolet radiation" from fluorescent bulbs, McCaffrey said.

Ultraviolet light can trigger flare-ups of lupus, she said.

"But I have been unable to find out any further information to either quantify or qualify what they are saying," she said.

"There is nothing on the labeling that says anything about health risks and the government has not informed doctors that patients with lupus or autoimmune diseases should be told about the risks," she said.

Health Canada officials said there are no warning labels on fluorescent bulb packages because the UV emissions of the bulbs are similar to those of regular 60-watt incandescent bulbs.

"Should there be reason for concern regarding safety with (fluorescent bulbs), Health Canada would investigate further, measuring the output of the device and make specific recommendations to the manufacturer to correct any issues," Health Canada's Leslie Meerburg said.