Dangers of Light Bulbs

There are a million and one obvious positive aspects of light bulbs. However, recent advances in technology has created new types of light bulbs and a growing amount of evidence is showing that electric light bulbs may be affecting our health. 

Back in 2008, Scientific American analyzed unpacked potential dangers of compact fluorescent light bulbs which contain a small amount of mercury, usually about 5 milligrams. Mercury is an essential component to a fluorescent bulb's ability to emit light, no other element has proved as efficient. 

Mercury, sometimes called quicksilver can be highly toxic and can affect the brains of both fetuses and children. Because of this, officials banned its application to other household products such as thermometers and thermostat switches. They identified that the problem emerges when a bulb breaks. The mercury contained in the object emits as a vapor and can be inhaled and the fine powder can settle in the carpet. Mercury poisoning has been linked to flurorescnets. 

Now a Florida based Lighting Science Group has produced a line of biological lighting that claims it's a much better fit for healthy living than a traditional light bulb. the idea stems from the notion that we should all get the right light for the right amount of time. What they've done is position two products, the first being a light specifically designed for bedtime and the other to help one feel more awake.The company is calling for a revolution throughout the lighting industry. 

Light bulb packaging does contain warning but not of any speculated danger. The packing on products from this new company promised to carry a "Notice" label expressing exposure to certain electric lights may cause biological effects, some potentially disruptive. 

Awareness is key with any household item warning. People need to be aware of even more powerful high energy light sources like TV screens and computers. Growing amounts of evidence link the use of these technologies which are threaded throughout our lives at night can lead to sleep disorders such as insomnia. 

Other studies have pointed to artificial light having a damaging impact on our health but the amount is still unclear. Exposure to certain types of light can interrupt sleep and can change circadian rhythms, intensifying symptoms in those who suffer from migraines among other problems. Sleep deprivation is directly linked to obesity, diabetes, depression, memory loss and shorter attention spans. 

This electric light essentially effects your internal body clock. Our body clocks can adjust if we limit the amount of electric light. Another effect of being exposed to this type of light is a decrease in melatonin production, a hormone released a few hours before sleep.