In recent years energy saving lamps with which replace ordinary glow lamps gain popularity. Longer term of operation and economy of the electric power is considered their main advantage. But also also rumors that they are harmful go.
What is represented by a lamp
The energy saving lamp has the size more ordinary glow lamp. It represents the curtailed glass tube with the walls covered with a phosphor and with mercury vapors inside. Electric discharge forces vapors of mercury to radiate ultraviolet rays, and the phosphor under their influence continues to carry out radiation.
There are several types of energy saving lamps: collagenic, fluorescent, SS spirals and U-shaped. Power is different - beginning from 5 Watts and more. At the same time it is necessary to consider that their light return of times in five exceeds that from a usual bulb. So, on light transfer the glow lamp in 100 Watts is equivalent energy saving in 20 Watts.
Users quite often complain that energy saving bulbs not such and durable as fuse at frequent inclusion and switching off of light.
Opinions on harm
According to a number of physicians, energy saving lamps, besides the advantages, have also shortcomings, being unhealthy. They, for example, can cause problems with sight because of influence of ultraviolet. Producers assure that glass protects eyes from ultraviolet, besides use of such lamps is not more harmful than stay on the street on a bright sun. There is no unambiguous information on this occasion yet. Tell also about harm of an invisible pulsation of the lamps preserving energy (to 100 times a second) which leads to decrease in visual acuity, decrease in working capacity and fatigue. Producers however object that modern lamps do not pulse thanks to increase in frequency of supply voltage. Not to be afraid of negative impact of ultraviolet on skin and sight, experts recommend to get the lamps covered with an additional layer of glass, but not "open" in the form of a spiral. Also recommend to avoid use of fluorescent lamps and with a high power (higher than 60 Watts).
Due to the availability of mercury inside energy saving lamps demand special utilization, it is impossible to throw out them together with usual garbage. But users often neglect this rule.
The main danger is connected with the content of vapors of mercury - toxic agent which is also present at home thermometers. Harm to health and life can cause mercury in case the bulb breaks. At the same time it is necessary to open all windows, and carefully to collect splinters by a broom and to throw out. Unscrewing a lamp, it should be held for the case, but not for a flask, and before it to switch off electricity.