Anecdotal stories and reports over many years have questioned the advisability of using fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs in school rooms, homes, and business places. The latest evidence focuses on the renewed suggestion that there may be enough UVB radiation in fluorescent light bulbs to cause photosensitivity in people with lupus.

     As a result of this information, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) national government relations staff, along with the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation, has organized and is leading a coalition of health advocacy groups impacted by a ban on incandescent light bulbs. In addition to the two organizing groups, other members of the coalition include the American Academy of Neurology, American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Epilepsy Foundation, MAGNUM, National Psoriasis Foundation, and RetireSafe.

     The LFA government staff and the coalition have scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill and are working with industry to determine whether a new, acceptable incandescent light bulb will be released before January 2012.

     In the meantime, in choosing fluorescent lamps, consumers will want to look for a product that has a nanometer (nM) reading of 380 to 400. This will ensure the complete filtering of UVC, UVB, and all UVA exposure.

     Ultraviolet (UV) refers to all electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths in the range of 10 to 400 nanometers, or frequencies from 7.5E14 to 3E16 Hz. A nanometer is a common unit used to describe wavelengths of light or other electromagnetic radiation such as UV.

--Source: Adapted from Lupus Foundation of America article