Medical Inspector Urges Care In Disposal Of Fluorescent Tubes

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22942, 10 May 1949, Page 2

Medical Inspector Urges Care In Disposal Of Fluorescent Tubes

If fluorescent lighting is properly installed and properly used, it should not cause eye strain. There is, however, a danger of accidental poisoning if care is not taken in the disposal of spent tubes, according to Dr. D. P. Kennedy, medical inspector of factories for Canterbury and the West Coast.

Since this new form of lighting had become fairly general in offices and factories, some fears about its physical effects had been raised, he said. Medical and ophthalmic authorities had found no cause for alarm. Ultra-violet and infra-red components of fluorescent lighting were pot sufficient to do harm.

The ultra-violet energy from clear blue summer sky light was three or four times greater (a foot candle) than fluorescent light. The infra-red energy produced no known physiological effect except from heating, and that generated by fluorescent light was less than the heat produced from a tungsten filament lamp of the same candle-power. A Desirable Quality

Fluorescent lighting resembled daylight more closely than that of tungsten filament lamps—a desirable quality. Incorrect installation accounted for many minor complaints about, fluorescent lighting, Dr. Kennedy,, said. Glare might arise from any system of lighting and the solution rested with the illuminating engineer. Greater concentrations of light were required for prolonged reading and intricate technical work. Excessive light, however, might produce symptoms of eye strain. The Health Department could advise on proper regulation of lighting. Toxic dust might rise when fluorescent tubes were broken up so extreme care should be taken in their disposal, Dr. Kennedy added. Beryllium was present in the phosphor-coating on the inside of the tubes. Poisoning could be caused by breathing dust or vapour from broken tubes or by cuts from the splintered glass. Small numbers of tubes should be broken in a container, with adequate protection for the nose, eyes and skin. Large numbers should be destroyed at dumps not frequented by the public. For a big job use of a respirator was advised. Mercury vapour might also be released during the destruction of these lamps.