The European Health Protection Agency on 9th October 2008 issued an advisory stating that “…..energy saving compact fluorescent lights can emit ultraviolet radiation (UVR) at levels that, under certain conditions of use, can result in exposures higher than GUIDELINE levels.”

It went on to state “Exposure to UVR can cause particular problems for people suffering from some medical conditions, including Lupus” and that compact fluorescent lights should not be used in certain applications such as desk lamps.

UV radiation can cause suppression of the immune system as well as skin cancer, cataracts and premature aging of the skin. A standard 1200mm fluorescent tube used in offices, schools, hospitals etc emits 89 ?w/lumen (i.e.) 289,250 ?w for a standard fluorescent tube and double this 568,500?w for typical fluorescent light fixtures which have two tubes.

The American Journal of Epidemiology, John Hopkins University reported in July 1996 - Skin Cancer in a Subtropical Australian Population: Incidence and Lack of Association with Occupation, that “…the lack of association between skin cancer and outdoor work seems paradoxical yet has been observed in many previous studies…” There is no difference between skin cancer rates between indoor and outdoor workers.

The Lancet (the world’s leading general medical journal) reported in August 1982 that, “In a study of 274 women with malignant melanoma, aged 18-54 years, and 549 matched controls in New South Wales, Australia, reported exposure to fluorescent light at work was associated with doubling of melanoma risk…the risk grew with increasing duration of exposure to fluorescent light and was higher in women who had worked mainly in offices…The findings could not be explained by differences in histories of sunlight exposure, in skin or hair colour, or in any other factor…”

Furthermore, global warming occurs as a result of greenhouse gasses such as CO2 absorbing UV radiation as heat. Energy saving compact fluorescent lights and fluorescent tubes may reduce the level of greenhouse gas production, but they contribute to the heating effect of existing greenhouse gasses by emitting UV radiation.

Additionally, some insects see and are attracted to UV radiation. As fluorescent lights and fluorescent tubes emit UV radiation, these insects are attracted to these lights.

Is it an advantage to use Gecko globes and tubes?

If you don’t want to risk sitting or standing under a source (or two or four or more) of UV radiation (above or below GUIDELINE levels) for eight hours a day or risk exposing others, want to reduce your contribution to global warming and do not want insects attracted to UV radiation ……………...absolutely!