Burnt – Out Fluorescent Tubes Can Be Dangerous

Northern Advocate, 14 June 1949, Page 5

Burnt - Out Fluorescent Tubes Can Be Dangerous

CHRISTCHURCH, Tue. (P.A.).—Burnt-out fluorescent lighting tubes, it has been found, make very attractive towel racks when fitted into simple brackets, but on the inside of these frail tubes is a material which can cause chronic inflammation and tumour-like growths.

Those who have converted fluorescent tubes to domestic use and those who come in contact with them, have been warned by the Health Department of dangers arising from their breakage with a consequent risk of infection. “A serious health hazard has developed due to the increasing use of fluorescent lighting,” said the medical inspector of factories (Dr D. P. Kennedy), urging that the greatest care be taken in disposing of burnt out tubes. •‘The tubes are coated on the inside with the metal beryllium,” ht* added. • They are made of thin glass which shatters into fine penetration particles. “If the particles of glass carrying beryllium get under the skin, the material may delay healing of wounds and lead to chronic inflammation and tumor-like growths. “Anyone breaking a fluorescent tube should receive medical attention immediately to discover whether he has been cut by contaminated glass. “Use of these tubes for home towel racks is therefore fraught with grave danger as the towel may become impregnated with beryllium if the tube is broken.”