E Eadie1, J Ferguson, H Moseley. 1. The Photobiology Unit, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are due to replace common incandescent lamps over the next few years. There has been no investigation of the possible effect of this on patients with photosensitive disorders. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of exposure of photosensitive individuals to light from CFLs. METHODS: The spectral emission from a sample of CFLs was measured using a calibrated spectroradiometer. The erythemal response was determined in one normal individual and four photosensitive individuals by direct exposure of the skin to light from a CFL. The susceptibility of a wider group of photosensitive individuals was predicted based on the light dose known to elicit a reaction during phototesting at discrete ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. RESULTS: CFLs emit UV radiation at wavelengths down to 254 nm. Prolonged exposure of a normal individual's skin produced erythema. However, an exposure of only 2.5 min at 5 cm elicited marked erythema in one of the abnormally photosensitive patients. CONCLUSIONS: CFLs could be a source of harmful UV radiation to photosensitive individuals. Patients with chronic actinic dermatitis are thought to be at greatest risk. The use of a protective envelope is recommended.
BACKGROUND: Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are due to replace common incandescent lamps over the next few years. There has been no investigation of the possible effect of this on patients with photosensitive disorders. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of exposure of photosensitive individuals to light from CFLs. METHODS: The spectral emission from a sample of CFLs was measured using a calibrated spectroradiometer. The erythemal response was determined in one normal individual and four photosensitive individuals by direct exposure of the skin to light from a CFL. The susceptibility of a wider group of photosensitive individuals was predicted based on the light dose known to elicit a reaction during phototesting at discrete ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. RESULTS: CFLs emit UV radiation at wavelengths down to 254 nm. Prolonged exposure of a normal individual's skin produced erythema. However, an exposure of only 2.5 min at 5 cm elicited marked erythema in one of the abnormally photosensitive patients. CONCLUSIONS: CFLs could be a source of harmful UV radiation to photosensitive individuals. Patients with chronic actinic dermatitis are thought to be at greatest risk. The use of a protective envelope is recommended.
Authors: Sérgio Schalka; Denise Steiner; Flávia Naranjo Ravelli; Tatiana Steiner; Aripuanã Cobério Terena; Carolina Reato Marçon; Eloisa Leis Ayres; Flávia Alvim Sant'anna Addor; Helio Amante Miot; Humberto Ponzio; Ida Duarte; Jane Neffá; José Antônio Jabur da Cunha; Juliana Catucci Boza; Luciana de Paula Samorano; Marcelo de Paula Corrêa; Marcus Maia; Nilton Nasser; Olga Maria Rodrigues Ribeiro Leite; Otávio Sergio Lopes; Pedro Dantas Oliveira; Renata Leal Bregunci Meyer; Tânia Cestari; Vitor Manoel Silva dos Reis; Vitória Regina Pedreira de Almeida Rego Journal: An Bras Dermatol Date: 2014 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 1.896
Authors: Ida Alzira Gomes Duarte; Mariana de Figueiredo Silva Hafner; Andrey Augusto Malvestiti Journal: An Bras Dermatol Date: 2015 Jul-Aug Impact factor: 1.896