Comparison of Radiation Levels Emission between Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Incandescent Bulbs

In this paper, the comparison of radiation levels emission between compact fluorescent lamps and incandescent bulbs were carried out with four (4) compact fluorescent lamps and four (4) incandescent bulbs using a Gamma scout (GS20 model). The measurements were taken at varied distances of 20 to 100 cm. The readings for window 1, window 2 and window 3 were obtained in μSv/h. At distance of 20 cm, the emissions for the compact fluorescent lamp ranged from 7.10 μSv/h to 32.2 μSv/h for window 1, 6.70 μSv/h to 28.3 μSv/h for window 2 and 6.40 μSv/h to 26.1 μSv/h for window 3 and for the incandescent bulbs they ranged, from 2.50 μSv/h to 3.60 μSv/h for window 1, 2.50 μSv/h to 4.00 μSv/h for window 2 and 2.50 μSv/h to 3.80 μSv/h for window 3. The results of the measurement and analysis carried out revealed that, there were possible ultraviolet radiation emission from the electric light bulbs with higher radiation emission from compact fluorescent lamp when compared with those from incandescent bulbs. However the values were still found to be within the safety limit.


Introduction
Lighting sources differ from each other in so many ways; for instance, the incandescent light bulbs have been known to produce light by heating a metal filament wire to a high temperature until it glows. These heats generated by the filament are used for various purposes such as incubators; brooding boxes for poultry etc. (Bellis, 2007).The incandescent bulbs have been in existence for many years. Approximately 90% of the power consumed by an incandescent light bulb is emitted as heat, rather than as visible light. They also work well on either alternating current or direct current; as a result they are widely used in household (Cunill-Sola.J and Salichs M (2007). However, they are being replaced in applications by other types of electric lights such as fluorescent lamp, high-intensity discharge lamps, ultraviolet fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps(CFL),light-emitting diodes(LED), electrodeless lamp also known as magnetic induction lamps, cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL) and black light. These newer technologies improve the ratio of visible light to heat generation. They also produce light by luminescence and these mechanisms produce discrete spectral lines (Dahl, 2008).
Radiation is all around us and it is naturally present in our environment and has been since the birth of this planet. Consequently, life has evolved in an environment which has significant levels of ionizing radiation (Ike, 2010). It comes from outer space (cosmic), the ground (terrestrial), and even from within our own bodies. It is present in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and in the construction materials used to build our homes (Arogunjo, et al, 2005). High radiation doses tend to kill cells, while low doses tend to damage or alter the genetic code (DNA) of irradiated cells (Cember and Johnson, 2009). High doses can kill so many cells and tissues and organs are damaged immediately. This in turn may cause a rapid body response often called Acute Radiation Syndrome. The higher the radiation dose, the sooner the effects of radiation will appear, and the higher the probability of death. Because radiation affects different people in different ways, it is not possible to indicate what dose is needed to be fatal. Conversely, low doses -less than 10,000 mrem (100 mSv) spread out over long periods of time (years) do not cause an immediate problem to any body organ (ICRP, 1977). The effects of low doses of radiation, if any, would occur at the cell level, and thus changes may not be observed for many years (usually 5-20 years) after exposure (Ike, 2010).

Materials and Method
The light bulbs were produced to serve for 220 -240 V and at a frequency of 50 -60 Hz. The energy efficiency of each light bulb was indicated by the manufacturer. The light bulbs were mostly those used in houses, offices, workshops, hotels and restaurants .The bulbs are designed and built to work in fixtures.
Eight samples of electric light bulbs were connected parallel one after the other on a lamp holder and the radiation level measurement was then taken using Gamma Scout (GS 20 model) for window 1, window 2 and window 3, which are difference radiation detectors and both the mean and standard errors of the windows were calculated.
At a varied distance of 20cm to 100cm, each different light bulb was placed and at 30 seconds intervals the radiation levels reading were taken for each of the windows in µSv/h. The background count for each 14 window was measured and recorded before readings were taken.
The radiation detector Gamma scout (GS 20 model) starts reading ones the radiation bottom is press, there is no need to configure it to start taking reading. It gives the readings just as indicated on the detector and displays it clear on the screen both as digital values and in form of a bar. it collects data around the clock because it is built to function all day long it does not have restricted time of operation and has a large scale calibration across a wide scale of 0.01 to 50.00µSv/h. it can be used to collect data anywhere around the world.  Tables 2, 3 and 4 show the readings obtained from radiation emission (possibly UV) for compact fluorescent lamps (energy savers bulbs) for windows 1, 2 and 3, while Tables 5, 6 and 7 also show the readings obtained from radiation emission (possibly UV) for incandescent bulbs for windows 1, 2 and 3. Tables 8 and 9 show the mean values readings calculated for both light source. Comparing the values on Table 2 with that of Table 5 for both compact fluorescent lamp and incandescent bulb for the same windows shows that the values of Table 2 are higher than that of  Table 3 and Table 7 is compared.
Lastly, comparing Tables 8, 9, 10 and 11 for compact fluorescent lamp and incandescent bulb for both mean values and standard errors calculated from each Table of light sources at same distance, also shows higher values of radiation emission for compact fluorescent lamps than incandescent bulbs (Navy Environmental Health Center, 1992). However, it shows that by comparison compact fluorescent lamps have higher value of radiation emission (possibly UV radiation) at mostly 20 cm distance than incandescent bulbs.

Conclusion
In this study, outstanding difference has been established from the eight light bulbs studied. It has been observed that the compact fluorescent light lamps (CFLs) emitted higher values of radiation as the wattages increases and at close proximity to the bulb when compared with incandescent bulbs (Khazova and O'Hagan, 2008).which confirms the observation made by Khazova and O' Hagan in 2008. However this difference is more at 20cm distance from the light source as seen on the Tables. The possible UV radiation emissions measured in this study are found to be within the acceptable radiation limit according to (ICRP, 2007), the world average background dose for human being is about 2.4mSvyr -1 for cosmic radiation and natural radionuclide in the environment. Hence may not pose a health hazard. However, it is recommended that CFLs should not be used at a very close distance, for example at bed side lamp, reading lamp etc to avoid any long-term health effects (Environmental and Radiation Health Sciences Canada, 2009).The information obtained from this research work will provide a guide for further research work regarding the light sources used in our homes, offices, workshops, hotels, restaurants etc. Oxford Journals Radiation Protection Dosimetry.131(4).PudMed. 11. Navy Environmental Health Center (1992). Ultraviolet Radiation Guide.

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