The Effects of Compact Fluorescent Lights on Emotions

Oct 31, 2011 | Nature Body Mind

There are three scenarios under which some compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) may affect emotions. CFL bulbs contain mercury. If a bulb breaks and the mercury inside the bulb enters the body, mercury poisoning can affect the emotions. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by some CFLs may affect emotions. Panic disorder patients report that CFL lighting is a trigger for panic attacks.

  1. What Emotions are Affected by CFLs?

    • The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) report that the only scientifically valid link between EMF exposure and health is the link between EMFs and childhood leukemia. In spite of this, many people and some scientists, including Dr. Magda Havas of Trent University in Ontario, Canada, believe that EMFs can cause anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, irritability and a host of physical illnesses.

    Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to EMFs

    • The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)-a non-governmental organization in official relations with WHO-have set voluntary guidelines for limiting exposure to high levels of EMFs because of the leukemia connection.

      WHO and ICNIRP say that although some studies have shown a link between EMF and emotions or other physical symptoms, researchers have been unable to replicate those findings in other studies, therefore, there is no proof of a link. As a result, they have not set limits on exposure to chronic low-level EMFs from sources such as fluorescent lighting.

      WHO recommends continued study, limiting daily exposure if possible, and following the voluntary guidelines. (more…)