Ultraviolet radiation emissions from miniature (compact) fluorescent lamps

The increased use of compact fluorescent lamps in the UK and Sweden (encouraged by Stockholm Energi) stimulated a programme of measurements to determine the ultraviolet irradiance to which users of these lamps could be exposed. Measurements were made, using a scanning spectroradiometer, on a selection of various types of lamps, available in the UK and Sweden. Comparison of the results with those for the more familiar and normally encountered tubular fluorescent lamps, published in an earlier report, indicated that ultraviolet emissions are similar. Using the limits promulgated by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists the lamps were shown not to constitute a radiation hazard under normal use.