Replies

1. 
   junkhound | Mar 25, 2009 03:46am | #1

   Are you taking chloroquinine?

   You should look into replacing your fluorescent bulbs rather than going to incandescent.  There are fluorescent tubes that give about any spectrum you need, but some are 4x to 10X the cost of the normal 'cool white' bulbs.

   Still, probably easier and less cost than replacing entire fixtures with incandescent.

2. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Mar 25, 2009 03:50am | #2

   Why are you rethinking cool, energy efficient lighting?

   Is it possible you just need a mix of lighting for your specific tasks.

   Tu stultus es
   Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
   Also a CRX fanatic!

   Look, just send me to my drawer.  This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.

3. 
   WayneL5 | Mar 25, 2009 05:25am | #3

   Sorry to hear that.  Can you explain the connection between fluorescent lighting and Lupus?  It would help us give a better answer.

   If you need to avoid UV, then you may be able to find fluorescent fixtures whose lens is UV blocking.  Maybe a Google search would turn something up.

   Maybe someone at the Lighting Research Center could help.  http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/24/2009 10:25 pm ET by WayneL5

4. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Mar 25, 2009 06:10am | #4

   Sorry, I missed your mention of Lupus.  Here is what Lupus.org has to say on the topic:

   Avoid Other Sources of UV Light

   Sources of UV light other than sunlight can also cause skin problems in lupus. Thus, photosensitivity has been reported from fluorescent tube lights, which mainly emit UVA with small amounts of UVB, and from photocopiers, which emit mainly UVA and visible light. Fluorescent tubes can be fitted with acrylic shields which eliminate UVB emission, while photocopiers should not be used with the top cover up.

   Install Light Shields on Windows

   Finally, because car and house windows protect just against UVB, not UVA, and clouds only a little against either one, sun protection should not be limited just to sunny days. For windows, effective UV-blocking films are commercially available.

   Also..

   Dr. Werth
   I have been asked to make a few comments about fluorescent lights. UV rays are emitted by full spectrum and fluorescent lights, as well as most compact fluorescent light bulbs. The amount of ultraviolet light emitted from fluorescent lights is about the same as with incandescent lights. There are a few compact fluorescent lamps that have less ultraviolet emission, such as Phillips Marathon and Phillips - Daylight Energy saving bulb. There is enough emission from many bulbs to cause problems in photosensitive patients, so filters and tube covers should be used for most lights, as well as lamp shades when possible.

   Dr. Werth
   There is research that is ongoing about this. At the current time, some fixture filter recommendations include PS-21 125 C/Lexan, Yellow Pattern or Clear Pattern UV lens (Malcolite). For tube covers, Macrolite T8-UV48 Tube sleeve or T8 UV light lines can be helpful. There may be other good filters and tube covers, and more studies are needed. These recommendations are based on one study so far.

   Here are a couple of things I found, you might want to look at Photo Lab products.  Malcolite makes stuff for photo pros:

   http://www.1000bulbs.com/UV-Blocking-Tube-Guards/39399/

   http://www.encapsulite.com/uvblocking.html

    

   Tu stultus es
   Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
   Also a CRX fanatic!

   Look, just send me to my drawer.  This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.