jimjack on 3/10/2007 at 14:37
I think I am being slowly killed by flourescent lights.
Since I've been back at school, the tubal FL in the class rooms is making me unwell. The lights too bright, they seem to emit a narrower spectrum of light than incandescents and seem to be causing some kind of internal disorder inside me. They also emit an almost subliminal flickering that has to be triggering the headaches and sore eyes I get after classes, that and a difinite high pitch buzzing that really puts me on edge, its just on the border of the audible spectrum (makes me think of the sound deterrant they apply on the thugs hanging about outside shops) The sound make me sick to my stomach and makes my mind feel clouded and less sharp. I'm going to look up some articles on this. Could it be that flourescent lighting are robbing me of a happy productive life in school?
37637598 on 3/10/2007 at 15:12
Hangover, shrooms.
jtr7 on 3/10/2007 at 19:25
The lighting in the library at the university where I work gives me fantastic headaches/eyestrain. It's the only place I've ever been where this happens to me.
There's an office in our Performing & Fine Arts building where the lighting was bugging everybody that worked at a desk in there. They removed half the tubes and never had a complaint after that.
Your problem will be not being able to adjust the lighting for your comfort.
Spaztick on 3/10/2007 at 21:02
Halogen is where it's at, yo.
Muzman on 3/10/2007 at 23:25
Quote Posted by jimjack
I think I am being slowly killed by flourescent lights.
Since I've been back at school, the tubal FL in the class rooms is making me unwell. The lights too bright, they seem to emit a narrower spectrum of light than incandescents and seem to be causing some kind of internal disorder inside me.
Sounds like you've already been looking up some articles on it (or talking to someone who has) 'cause you couldn't have really come to that conclusion just by looking at them unless you carry a spectroscope around.
However, yeah some of the bluer fluros can be quite unpleasantly harsh, and if there's any oscilating equipment in use (CRTs for example) or any of the tubes are a bit worn or faulty the oscilations of the fluro tube can make you wanna puke
Gorgonseye on 3/10/2007 at 23:25
I really have to question if it's the fault of the fluorescents. My family's entire house is filled with fluorescent lights, all of our lamps, ceiling lights, etc. I haven't experienced a single problem, no flickering problems either, in fact, I haven't noticed a single problem at all whatsoever.
Admittedly, I realize it's got a "stronger" light to it, however it hasn't made me physically unwell.
Edit: Well, I'll take Muzman's explanation to the idea that the fluorescents themselves could be faulty, considering this is a school, all of which seem to have the laziest maintenance.
Ko0K on 4/10/2007 at 02:57
I'm not sure if it is a good idea to attribute your perception of your physical health entirely to a single factor. That said, yeah, fluorescent tubes seem to have an effect on my general mood, usually. I worked at a morgue for a few days long time ago. I'm just going to leave it at that. :erg:
dj_ivocha on 4/10/2007 at 03:01
While it's probably not practical for a public institution like a school or a library, with a bit of soldering skills you can swap the normal inductor ballast for an electronic one - the many times higher operating frequency of the latter means no more flickering. :cool:
jtr7 on 4/10/2007 at 05:04
Quote:
I really have to question if it's the fault of the fluorescents. My family's entire house is filled with fluorescent lights, all of our lamps, ceiling lights, etc. I haven't experienced a single problem, no flickering problems either, in fact, I haven't noticed a single problem at all whatsoever.
My experiences have to do with a single building. I know it's the lighting because the light is uncomfortable and the discomfort grows over time until I leave. The lights there don't flicker. If I wait too long, I'll have a headache and rheumy eyes until I go to sleep at the end of the day. There are certain locations within the library that are predictably more tolerable than others. My activites are the same, the computers I use have the same model of monitor, where I sit makes the difference. The worst places in the library cause a noticeable sensation within a few minutes.
Quote:
I'm not sure if it is a good idea to attribute your perception of your physical health entirely to a single factor.
Yep. But growing discomfort and a painful awareness of the lighting are probably connected. If the discomfort starts in the eyes and spreads from there, it's probably connected. Some people are also inexplicably sensitive to electromagnetic frequencies that go unnoticed by the majority. Jimjack would have to confirm or deny if it starts in the eyes or elsewhere.
jimjack on 4/10/2007 at 14:36
Last years physics class explained to me quite a bit about how light behaves, and I've heard some of the physical effects light has on people exposed to it for certain lengths of time, like working in an office or classroom. I've also heard about the positive effects of light being used to help ease forms of depression caused by lack of sunlight.
I know the reason schools go for the FL lights is largely due to fact the lights last longer and are more energy efficient the incandescents. But I've done my research and there is nothing but bad news. Apparently they contain small levels of mercury but "there are no known helath or environment riskes from lamps that are intact but if it cracks or breaks mrecury vapours can escape into the air..I agree with what Gorgonseye has said ..schools are pretty lax on maintenance. :erg:
Other articles claim that there is some truth to claims of health problems due to lights but only from a small portion of the population..well seems I'm not the only one suffering here. Also read besides eyestrain and headaches, some nervous problems occur as well such as siezures, memory lapses, mental problems, etc...
