Evaluation of electric and magnetic fields of energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps in terms of radiation protection

Authors

10.22052/5.3.43

Abstract

The technology used in energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), provides a quarter of the energy consumption of incandescent lamps to produce equivalent light energy while CLFs shelf life is up to ten times of incandescent lamps. So the incandescent lamps in homes and workplaces are replaced with CFLs. Due to the use of ballast in the structure of CFLs, electric and magnetic fields are generated around them. Electric and magnetic fields at various frequencies can be harmful to human health. Complying with radiation exposure standards is an effective way to reduce the harmful effects of radiation. This study aimed to evaluate the electric and magnetic fields of CFLs and compare the results with standard exposure limits. Electric and magnetic fields radiated by 50 CFLs with different models, shapes and output powers at different distances from the lamps of 50 Hz frequency and frequency range of 24 to 100 kHz were measured. Based on the results, the intensities of the fields at distances greater than 50 cm is lower than the public exposure limits; however, for lamps more than 90 watts, at distances of up to 30 cm from the lamp, the intensities may be higher than the exposure limits. Therefore using these lamps in small and closed places should be done with caution. Considering that by increasing the number of CFLs (such as for chandeliers), electric (or magnetic) vectors are added, and meet exposure limits, more distances from the set of lamps are needed.
 

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References

[1] Ultraviolet Leaks from CFLs, Environmental Health Perspectives, volume 120 | number 10 |October (2012), A387. [2] Health Canada, Executive Summary: Report on Health Canada Survey of Ultraviolet Radiation and Electric and Magnetic Fields from Compact Fluorescent Lamps, December, (2009), 1–7. [3] T. Letertre, A. Azoulay, A. Destrez, F. Gaudaire, C. Martinsons. Characterization of compact fluorescent lights RF emissions in the perspective of human exposure, EMC’09/Kyoto, (2009), 473–476. [5] ICNIRP Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time- Varying Electric, Magnetic Fields (1Hz-100kHz), Health Physics ,99 (6), (2010), 818–836. [6] M. Havas. Health Concerns associated with Energy Efficient Lighting and their Electromagnetic emissions, Environmental and Resource Studies Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada, (2008), 1–11.
Journal of Radiation Safety and Measurement
Volume 6, Issue 3 - Serial Number 19
September 2017
Pages 43-50

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