Do energy-efficient light bulbs give off radiation? This is a question that few people ask, especially given the number of bulbs found in homes, offices, and many other places that you frequent.
Since its inception in the early 1800s, inventors have always tried to improve the light bulb.
From the first Arc Lamp to the incandescent, the fluorescent, and the recent energy saver light bulbs, they have improved the bulb in both its lifespan and the amount of energy it requires to function.
What is an Energy-Efficient Light Bulb?
As their names suggest, these are light bulbs that are designed for maximum benefits to the consumers. They last longer, and use a fraction of the energy that incandescent and halogen light bulbs use.
Examples of these types of energy-saving light bulbs include:
- Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL),
- Halogen Incandescent Lamps
- Light Emitting Diode (LED)
See Related: Home Wind Turbines You Can Buy Online
Do LED lights give off UV?
Though saving energy, lasting longer, and having clear white light is great, you need to ensure that the bulbs you are investing in are safe for both you and the environment.
First, you need to know that LED lights come in numerous designs, which are made to produce different wavelengths of light. These types of lamps produce white light from converting ultraviolet light using the phosphors inside them.
The radiation from LED lights can’t get you sick; even the standard LED lighting UV output is too low.
However, if you are one of the few people who are extra sensitive to UV, you should always stay at least a foot away from most artificial light sources.
When it comes to purchasing bulbs, stay clear of the CFL lamps for they have a higher UV output.
Let’s take a look at how these different types of energy saver light lamps work.
- Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL)
The CFL is a fluorescent lamp that was made to replace the halogen lamps. They come in two major types (screw-in and plug-in) and a wide variety of sizes, base types, wattages, and color temperature.
Their working mechanism is similar to that of linear fluorescent bulbs. They contain mercury vapor, phosphors, and a noble gas; electricity is used to excite the mercury vapor which then produces UV light.
This ultraviolet light then causes the phosphors in the bulb to produce the visible light we use for lighting
The screw-in base CFLs are easy to use since they don’t require any specific requirements such as their counterpart the plug-in base CFLs which require a ballast and a specific socket.
See Related: What is Biomass Energy?
- Halogen Lamps
Though it might not be the most energy-efficient lamp on the list, it at least saves you 25% of the energy you would have spent with a traditional incandescent lamp.
The addition of halogen gas in the bulb makes it last longer and shine brighter by reacting with the evaporated tungsten from the filament. This process is known as the halogen cycle and it’s what gives the halogen lamps an edge over the incandescent lamps.
The reaction prevents the tungsten from sticking on the glass –which keeps the lamp bright and also returns some of the tungsten to the filament thus increasing the lifespan of the lamp.
- Light Emitting Diode (LED) Lamps
These types of light bulbs use light-emitting diodes to produce light. The bulbs utilize what is known as a “solid-state” tech –light-generating materials are solid, which makes them more durable than other types of lamps.
This technology makes the bulbs capable of dealing with shock and vibration better than other bulbs.
White light is produced by mixing red, blue, and green diodes closely. The LED can also be coated with phosphor to help convert the color it produces into white light.
LED lamps are used in numerous ways such as under-cabinet fixtures, vehicle headlights, signs and indicators, flashlights, and night lights.
They are way durable than the other type of light lamps and they won’t put a strain on your pocket when the power bill is due.
Let’s take a closer look at a few types of LED light bulbs
See Related: Energy Efficient Tvs
Types of LED light bulbs
Sylvania ECO LED A19 Light Bulb
With a lifespan of 7 years, this LED lamp is going to serve you for a long time. They’re made to replace the 60-watt standard incandescent light lamps and they emit little to zero UV radiation.
It’s bound to save you some money in the long run since it only consumes minimal energy that will only set you back a measly $1.08 annually.
It’s also very functional in the sense that you can use it as a decorative lamp or an accent light for your home, and commercial areas such as shops, hotels, and even for entertainment.
They come in different pack counts ranging from 2, 6, 8, 24 counts, and corded. They also have different wattages, making it more convenient for you to get the perfect fit for specific use.
See Related: Best Posters on Saving Earth
Amazon Basics 60W Equivalent Daylight, A19 Dimmable Light Bulb
These light lamps have a lifespan of 15,000 hours and create an atmosphere that simulates daylight at a temperature of 5000 Kelvin – it provides 810 lumens of light. This happens as soon as you turn it on, no delays waiting for it to warm up or anything.
It’s a great energy-saving bulb that’s going to save you a lot of money in terms of energy spent since it only requires 9 watts to function.
It comes with a color rendering index (CRI) of 90, which allows you to experience the colors wherever you install it.
It’s also dimmable, so you’ll be able to control the brightness to whatever setting you find comfortable for use.
See Related: Best Books for Sustainable Living
Ascher Vintage LED Edison Bulbs
These light bulbs come in a variety of white colors for you to select the one you find more appealing for each room. They are quite easy to install and are Eco-friendly with no ultraviolet radiation output.
You can install it outdoors or indoors and it doesn’t flicker or produce any glare. They are great for use in wall scones, chandeliers, and pendant lighting. These lamps will serve you for over 20,000 hours and at very low energy consumption.
They are eco-friendly with no mercury or lead in them, making them safe for both children and adults use.
They have been tested by Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL), to ensure that they are not a fire hazard or prone to electric shocks.
See Related: Organic vs Natural Foods
HueLiv A19 LED Light Bulbs
The HueLiv LED energy saver bulbs are designed to not only produce white light that simulates daylight but also help in eliminating any eye exhaustion you might suffer from because of the use of conventional light bulbs.
These light lamps can save you up to 89% energy usage, last for about 25,000 hours, and output less heat.
They are also quite easy to install and are very eco-friendly –no toxic chemicals or breakable parts.
They have a medium screw base that makes them compatible with most light fixtures.
You don’t have to worry about the base being too small or too big when installing.
They come with a high color rendering index at 5000 Kelvin, emitting 1100lumen and above. This makes them very suitable for rooms that require lots of bright light.
See Related: Best Sustainable Gifts for Your Eco-Friendly Friends
Cree Lighting TA 19 Dimmable Light Bulbs
The Cree lighting TA 19 dimmable light bulbs have a 90+ high CRI light quality that makes your home colors appear rich, vibrant, and natural. They are also dimmable so you can adjust them to better suit your needs.
These lamps have a long lifespan of over25, 000 hours and can be used both indoors and outdoors. With a luminous flux of 1100 lumen and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you’ll be making a sound investment.
If you are working with enclosed fixtures, these are the best type of energy saver bulbs to go for. They can save you money when it comes to the amount of power (12 watts) needed for them to function properly.
See Related: Best States for Sustainable Living
SYLVANIA Smart – Wi-Fi Full Color Dimmable A19 LED Light Bulb
This smart, dimmable light bulb is part of the SYLVANIA products catalog. These bulbs are a brilliant investment and they offer a wide range of services once installed properly. You need a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection for the smart light bulbs to function.
They are not to be used with fully enclosed features and do not connect with the Apple HomeKit. With the right network, you’ll be able to connect your SYLVANIA Smart light bulbs with Siri, Alexa, and Google Home.
You can use simple commands to turn on the lights, adjust the colors and dim them. You can also program them to follow any routine you’d like. For example, if you are planning on traveling, you can schedule the lights to turn on and off at certain times to ensure your home is safe.
With the wide range of colors that these smart light bulbs offer, you can set any mood in your home for family recreation, an intimate dinner, or a birthday party. The bulbs come with a great warranty period that allows you to enjoy its services with no stress.
See Related: Best Erosion Control Products to Buy
Why Should You Invest in LED Lamps?
The beauty of investing in LED light lamps is that they help you save some bucks when your residential or business power bill comes in.
They have a great return on investment both for individuals, the country, and even for the entire planet. This is as a result of all the energy that is saved by the people who use these lamps as opposed to incandescent and CFL light lamps.
Their long lifespan makes them the best choice for both businesses and residential lighting. The white light they produce is free of any light bulb radiation so you need not worry.
LED lamps are flexible and can be optimized to fit different room designs, and moods. The high color rendering index helps you get to experience the true color of your home or office.
See Related: Best Solar Refrigerators
Do Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Give Off Radiation?
Exposure to intense UV is known to cause sunburn, skin cancer, and eye problems among other problems.
However, the negative effects of UV radiation from LED lamps are minimal and mostly threaten people who might be very sensitive to UV light. If you are such a person, staying about 30 cm from the source of light should be sufficient.
Also, watch out for the phosphor coating that converts UV light into white light; if it cracks, UV light can pass through. Your other option would be to settle for non-UV light bulbs altogether.
FAQs
Are energy saving light bulbs safe?
Energy-saving light bulbs are safe to use. These bulbs are designed to be energy-efficient, which means they use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. They are also designed to emit less heat, making them less of a fire hazard.
However, it is important to handle them carefully, as they contain small amounts of mercury, which can be harmful if the bulb breaks or is not disposed of properly.
What is a disadvantage of using energy efficient light bulbs?
An energy-efficient light bulb is a type of lighting that uses less energy to produce the same amount of light as traditional incandescent bulbs. One disadvantage of using energy-efficient light bulbs is that they can be more expensive to purchase than traditional bulbs, although they typically last longer and use less energy, ultimately saving money in the long run.
Additionally, some people may not like the quality of light produced by energy-efficient bulbs, as they can sometimes have a cooler or bluer tone.
What are the safest light bulbs for health?
LED light bulbs are a type of energy-efficient lighting that use less energy and have a longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs. They are also free of toxic materials such as mercury, which can be found in compact fluorescent bulbs.
LED bulbs emit less heat than other types of bulbs, reducing the risk of burns or fires. Overall, LED bulbs are the safest option for both your health and the environment.
Why should I buy energy efficient light bulbs?
Energy efficient light bulbs are light bulbs that use less energy to produce the same amount of light as traditional incandescent bulbs. They are a more environmentally friendly option because they use less energy, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, they can save you money on your energy bill over time due to their longer lifespan and lower energy usage.
Related Resouces