Evaluation of Ultra Violet Emissions Radiated From Compact Fluorescent Lamps of Iranian Current Brands

Background: Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) is a developed fluorescent lamp type designed to saving energy. CFLs can cause an increased health risk to humans due to the ultraviolet radiation. Objectives: The current study aimed to assess the ultraviolet radiation emitted from compact fluorescent lamps in highly used Iranian brands. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 16 CFLs that were manufactured by four Iranian manufacturers including: Pars Khazar, Parmis, Etehad and Nama Noor. The CFLs were marked as 11, 18, 40 and 60 Watt. Measurement was done in 10, 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 cm in three angles including 0 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees using a calibrated UV-meter. All the CFLs are aged for one hundred hours in the laboratory. The information was analyzed using SPSS-20 and ANOVA test. Results: Measurement of UV showed that UVC emission was not observed at the distance of 10 cm in all of CFLs lamps. UVB irradiance in most of lamps in 10 and 25 cm was more than occupational exposure limits (OEL), but in 50 cm was less than OEL. One way ANOVA indicated that differences between UVB irradiance of four brands of lamps were not significant statistically (P>0.05). UVA irradiance of all CFLs lamps in 25 cm was less than OEL. One way ANOVA indicated that differences between UVA statistically were not significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, authors recommended that CFLs lamps, due to UV radiation, especially in UVB span, be used at distances greater than 25 cm. Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) is a developed fluorescent lamp type designed for saving energy. CFLs can cause the health risk increase in humans due to the ultraviolet radiation.