UV light from energy-saving bulbs could be harmful

People who sit too close to energy-saving light bulbs could be putting their health at risk.

At close range some of the bulbs emit enough UV radiation to redden the skin and cause it to become irritated, the Health Protection Agency said.

People who use lamps for close range work, such as watchmakers and illustrators, as well as those who read in bed by lamplight, could be worst affected. The agency said tens of thousands of people who suffer from Lupus and other light-sensitive conditions, should be especially cautious about using the bulbs.

Problems can occur when people sit less than 30cm from an "open" energy-saving bulb. People should switch to "encapsulated" bulbs which have an extra layer of glass around them and look like traditional light bulbs, or spend less than one hour at close range.

Justin McCracken, chief executive of the HPA, said: "This is precautionary advice and people should not be thinking of removing these energy-saving light bulbs from their homes."

Research showed that someone who sits 20cm from an energy-saving light bulb is exposed to the same UV radiation as they would be outside on a sunny winter's day. At more than 30cm there is no problem.

The investigation came after some health charities said the bulbs, due to become compulsory in homes over the next four years, could cause migraines and dizziness and trigger epilepsy.