How did it happen?

[a440]

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[ovrphil]

funny. Will be glad to change over to LED and get rid of the interference on the radios...but for now, economy means ....2 or 3 here, more later.

 

[ken]

Has anyone else noticed the chemical odor given off by CFL's? A couple years ago I bought a two pack of them for the shop. One for the light over the work bench and the other for the drop light.

The light over the work bench is just about head high. Every time I stood at the bench I noticed this strange odor. It didnt take long to realize it was coming from the new bulb.

I did a search online concerning this and found a study of CFLs done in Germany. They stated the chemicals given off by the bulbs create a "chemical haze" inside closed spaces which is hazardous. They recommended using them only in well ventilated areas and not to use them in any fixtures at head height. I removed the CFL's and went back to those "bad" incandesents. Odor gone.

P.S. About a year ago our local utility company was offering energy efficient lighting upgrades at very reduced cost from a third party company. We had a rep come to the office where I work and take inventory of our lighting. He stated we had two options. CFL or LED. I mentioned the info I had found online concerning the CFL study. He said he was not aware of it. I gave him a copy of the study which I had printed at the time I found it.

He called me after getting back to his home office where he made some inquires on the subject. He was told the info was correct and the bulbs do give off gases when on. But the level was so low as to not be a concern. So they say. I dont really expect any one in that position to give the complete story.

To each their own but Im of the opinion that if they're producing nasty crap Im not having them around me.

Im curious as to whether the same is true of old school tubular and circular florescents? I havent looked into that.